Technology crucial in fight against crime - Mthethwa

"To this end, as the minister I have instructed that we look into how technology can be implemented in key areas such as cameras in police vehicles and police cells," Mthethwa said.

This would not only act as a deterrent but also assist where the police are involved in criminal behaviour.

"We are strengthening our internal accountability mechanisms at all levels including improved internal assessments through the National Inspectorate and Internal Audit. We are also going to focus sparely on leadership skills and development with SAPS."

Mthethwa said his department has over the past few weeks acted swiftly in suspending police officers involved in criminal activities.

Going forward authorities needed to keep this pressure up and ensure that all criminal acts regardless of the publicity they receive result in suspensions.

This was important not only in sending a message to police on the ground but also ensure ensuring that actions have consequences, Mthethwa said.

He was speaking at the Free State provincial summit in Bloemfontein. He said in 2011, government focused considerable attention on improving legislation and the institutional capacity of civilian oversight of the police.

"Now we need to focus on whether we have the right capacity to ensure the effectiveness of this oversight. We are in the process of developing a programme that will encourage and re-enforce positive behaviour and seek to discourage bad behaviour.

"This will involve initiating a campaign supported by systems and mechanisms that will encourage SAPS officials themselves to report bad behaviour and to encourage professionalism."

Mthethwa used the platform to decry police killings. He noted that in July 2011, the police leadership convened a summit against attacks on and killing of police officials.

"In essence our objective was to seek solutions from across all sectors of society on what needs to be done to eradicate these killings. The response and support was overwhelming but we have now seen this phenomenon rearing its ugly head in the recent times," said Mthethwa.