The FIFA World Cup security legacy in the fight against crime is benefiting the country, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Wednesday.

Beyond just the resources, the re-skilling of police, expertise and international best practices acquired would also form the foundation of this policing approach, he said in a statement.

In the build-up to the tournament, the Ministry publicly shared its comprehensive security plan, which included South Africa's approach to addressing any potential terror threats, hooliganism and crime.

The plan further outlined the monetary investments, equipment to be purchased and used, as well as the human capital invested in.

"We spent our budget accountably and sensibly in accordance with the crime prevention and combating approach of this security plan, which resulted in the safety of our citizens and visitors from around the world," he said.

Police still had these resources after the World Cup and they would serve as an enormous arsenal in the fight against crime.

A total budget of R1,3-billion was initially set aside for the World Cup security plan.

To date, an amount of almost R572-million had been spent on procuring equipment.

These included crowd-control equipment, crime scene trainers, helicopters, water cannons, 100 BMWs for highway patrol and up-to-date body armour.

During the tournament, various state-of-the-art information and communications military technology was used, including a fleet of 40 helicopters.

A dedicated force of over 44 000 officers were deployed at all match venues, hotels, stadiums and key strategic spots.

Some of the first phase of strategic equipment and services procured included RCU water canons, sirens, blue lights and headlight flashing units for vehicles, refurbishment of Nyalas, forensic science laboratory and bomb squad items, cartridge and ammunition.

About 300 mobile cameras were used at various operations, which featured high-tech monitoring equipment.

The remainder of this budget was being used mainly for deployment costs, but also goods, services, accommodation, food and overtime.

"The number of police personnel added to the force, as well as the equipment acquired for their use, is one of the important legacies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"That is why the emphasis is now towards sustaining these best practices and continuing to deal a deadly blow to crime," Mthethwa said.