Legislation to improve the functioning of the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) - responsible for policing South African Police Service (Saps) members - is being finalised, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a lecture at the University of the Witwaterstrand, Mthethwa acknowledged that the ICD was not operating as it should.

This was mainly because the body would receive a complaint from the public and investigate it, only to have its recommendations given to the same police complained about.

He said that this would be amended to ensure that recommendations would be given directly to the police ministry.

"Because of the environment in which the ICD operates, the police have downgraded the structure," said Mthethwa.

He said that the amendment to the current law was expected to be completed by July.

Mthethwa again emphasised the importance of partnering with communities and academia to fight crime.

"It is apparent to all of us that the police alone cannot win the fight against crime.

"In South Africa, through our ministry we took a decision of fighting crime and fighting it tough by utilising all resources and capabilities at our disposal."

He said that academia could play a significant role in the fight against crime.

Mthethwa dismissed as perception the argument that crime in South Africa was the worst in the world.

He referred to a report released by the British foreign and common wealth office in March.

The report said that South Africa was a safer tourist destination for British tourists than Spain and Thailand.