Hon Chair, poor leadership, improper leadership and unlawful conduct by leaders, which have amounted to maladministration, have brought the police's name down. This includes irregular expenditure, promotions that are questionable, the use of vehicles that is questionable, crime intelligence that has sometimes been chaotic, the private residences of certain high-ranking officials, the attempted bribes of journalists and the assault and intimidation issues hanging over Mdluli's head. The report of the police's annual general meeting confirms that the Police Service has not met its targets in building more police stations. The tenders became questionable. Also, the basic lack of resources at police stations is a big question.
I think what is important and what I am trying to say is that the image of the police needs to be restored, and we are glad that the new commissioner has taken note of what was said in the budget debates regarding the police not responding to our cases.
There are too many murders a day, too many court cases and claims against the police, too many suspensions of police officials, accounting for over R8 million, and there are too many people without firearms, be it in the SA Police Service or the community. The police must become visible. The records say that one in three calls to the police goes unanswered.
The DA supports the appointment of the commissioner and hopes that the next budget will be more positive. But, for today, this year, we are not able to support the Budget Vote. I thank you, hon Chair.