The ANC has called on South Africans to "rally behind" the new proposed SA Police Service directorate that will replace the Scorpions.

In a statement on Friday, the ruling party welcomed the passing of two bills in the National Assembly the day before, which will see the Directorate of Special Operations, popularly known as the Scorpions, replaced by a SAPS crime investigation directorate.

"The ANC would like to assure South Africans that the amended bills are the beginning of a long process to out-root crime and corruption.

"Having a united police force will ensure proper co-ordination and management to deal with organised crime.

"The ANC calls upon all South Africans to rally behind the new proposed police service and ensure that criminals find it unbearable to commit crime in South Africa," it said.

Sapa