President Cyril Ramaphosa has asserted that the ongoing Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality and Political Interference within South Africa's Criminal Justice System must proceed thoroughly and entirely without interference.

Writing in his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President addressed the "deeply disturbing" allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption within the nation's law enforcement apparatus.

He emphasised that South Africans deserve “absolute clarity”, stating that citizens are entitled to know that those tasked with fighting crime are not actively collaborating with criminals.

While acknowledging the severity of the allegations being handled by the commission, headed by Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Ramaphosa defended the vast majority of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

He noted that the SAPS consists of more than 180 000 members and 3 000 reservists who serve their communities under dangerous and difficult circumstances daily.

"For every incompetent or corrupt SAPS member, there are many thousands more who are not," Ramaphosa stated, arguing that the actions of a corrupt minority should not diminish the honourable service of the majority. However, he maintained that the government owes it to these honest officers to aggressively root out those who "dishonour the badge."

The President addressed the severe trust deficit between the public and law enforcement.

Citing the 2025/2026 governance, public safety and justice survey published by Statistics South Africa, he noted a troubling trend: many crime victims choose not to report incidents because they believe the police will simply not take action.

Ramaphosa warned that this sentiment cannot be dismissed as mere perception.

He said effective policing relies heavily on communities reporting crimes, identifying suspects, and acting as witnesses, so rebuilding this broken trust is paramount.

"Confidence cannot be demanded. It must be earned," Ramaphosa wrote. He outlined that trust is built on fundamental operational reliability, answering phone calls, arriving promptly at crime scenes, investigating properly, treating victims with dignity, and ultimately securing convictions.

To address systemic vulnerabilities and resource gaps, Ramaphosa highlighted that through SAPS' Project 11 000, the police force is actively increasing its numbers, with a new intake of 5 500 constables scheduled to enter training academies shortly.

He said the SAPS is moving beyond basic technical expertise, the recruitment process now mandates psychometric and integrity testing during the very first phase of selection, well before prospective recruits advance to physical fitness, medical, or vetting stages.

He explained that future recruitment, promotions, and senior appointments will be strictly anchored on merit, competence, and integrity, completely barring political interference or criminal elements.

Ramaphosa emphasised that while the government bears the primary duty of ensuring public safety, defeating crime requires a collaborative national effort.

He urged citizens to help police officers by joining community policing forums, volunteering as reservists, and consistently reporting criminal activity.