Chairperson, the Department of Police received a budget of R53,5 billion for the year 2010-11. In terms of that budget the department received yet another unqualified audit opinion with one matter of emphasis. By the end of the financial year the department had spent almost 100% of the budget with a small underspending of R40 000.
Key spending priorities of 2010-11 were identified and targets set by the department, most of which were achieved. Further, the Department of Police ensured an incident-free 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament. They made sure that all criminals signed leave forms.
However, it is worth noting the following few points. One, the department incurred an irregular expenditure of R76,1 million in comparison to R2,5 million for 2009-10, which is an increase of almost 3000%. Two, the department incurred a contingent liability to the value of R601 million for the Sanlam Middestad building lease. Three, the portfolio committee is concerned about the obvious misuse of section 35 of the South African Police Service Act, which resulted in the payment of R31 million to 19 SA Police Service members. Four, the SAPS employment regulation which allows for the promotion of members without following the normal process of advertising and interviewing, we believe, is somehow misused. Five, the construction of police stations is another challenge. Cost escalation is a blatant manifestation.
However, the SAPS 2010-11 annual report was once more professionally prepared. Crime statistics released during that year revealed a decrease in most serious crimes, including murder. The overarching recommendation is that the Department of Police should note the responsibility that comes with receiving the biggest budget in the Justice and Security cluster and should use these funds responsibly at all times. We want to congratulate the top management of the SAPS on availing themselves throughout the process of deliberations and analysis of the SAPS annual report. We also want to thank the members of the Portfolio Committee on Police across party lines for their hard work and dedication to our cause. They are simply the best team. We move that the Report be adopted. We thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Chair, we would like to welcome the Report as presented by the chairperson and we also commend the Department of Police for a well- presented 2010 World Cup. We would want to believe that the concerns raised by the portfolio committee will also be followed up - all of them. On that note, I move:
That the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on performance be adopted.
[Applause.]
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.