Chairperson, hon Minister, Deputy Minister and hon members, let me state at the outset that the UDM supports Votes 23 and 25. [Applause.] Since 2009-10 there have been many advances and successes in the fight against crime in South Africa. With the exception of a few categories, violent and serious crimes have come down significantly. Improved police visibility and other crime strategies seem to have paid dividends, as alluded to by the hon chairperson of the portfolio committee. Though a lot of work still needs to be done to reduce the unacceptably high levels of crime in South Africa, we would like to commend the Department of Police for working hard to ensure that the South African people are and feel safe.
However, we are concerned about the fact that the few successes in the fight against crime are flanked by high levels of police brutality. Over the past few years we have seen an increase in the number of cases of people who die in police custody, people who die as a result of police action, and people who are tortured or assaulted by police officers in the execution of their duties, to mention but a few. We have also seen an increased number of cases where members of the SAPS have used brute force to disperse peaceful service delivery protests. However, we welcome the means made available to address this particular issue, as announced in this House by the hon Minister.
In this regard, the UDM welcomes the focus in Budget Vote No 23 on enhancing the capacity of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. We also welcome the directorate's medium-term priorities regarding the raising of public awareness of its mandate and functions. These actions will help stem the tide of police brutality in South Africa.
The UDM is also particularly concerned about the reports regarding the shocking levels of corruption in the Department of Police. Recent reports indicate that the Hawks have uncovered a concealed police bank account, which is being used to deposit commissions for the purchase of police vehicles. The police headquarters lease saga is another example of how people use the public purse to extract private wealth. It is sad to see a department that started so well become engulfed in such controversies and scandals. Government needs to rid the entire Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster of its mafia-like image. The South African people deserve a better functioning cluster. As I said at the start, the UDM supports both these budgets. [Applause.]