SA has never been the same since COVID-19, Masemola tells MPs

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola told Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating police corruption that migration to South Africa and competition for limited resources have contributed to the rise in crime.
 
He explained that natural southward migration, influenced by various free movement treaties signed between African countries, also affected migration patterns.
 
Masemola made these comments in his opening remarks before the committee as he began the first day of his testimony in Parliament.
 
His appearance follows two days of testimony by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
 
Masemola added that the country had not been the same since the COVID-19 pandemic, which he says has made South Africa a destination of choice for many.
 
"Since COVID-19, the country has never been the same. There’s a lot of unemployment, which also contributes to crime, including new types of crime. Many people from other countries are looking for places where they can find opportunities or something to eat, and unfortunately, South Africa has become a destination of choice."