Cash-in-transit heists and serious and violent crime remain of "vital concern" for the ANC, the party said on Friday.

"Progress made by SAPS [SA Police Service] in the arrests of such criminals is appreciated and a lot remains to be done," spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said in a statement.

"The ANC will not allow criminals to prevent it from fulfilling its historic goal of improving the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person."

The ruling party expressed satisfaction with the government's progress in fighting crime.

"The increment of SAPS personnel from 183 180 to 204 860 over the next three years is a step in the right direction by government to fight crime. This year alone, the number of detectives will increase by more than 19 percent, and more than 12 928 persons are undergoing detective-related training."

Combating crime was part of an "integrated approach" in ensuring "a better life for all".

"SAPS will increase its Forensic Science Laboratories capacity with the additional funding of R150-million for the 2008/09 period and a further R50-million per year to the 2011/12 financial year," he said.

The ruling party commended the SAPS for establishing units to deepen interaction with communities, civil society, business, faith-based organisations and other spheres of government.

He added that 95 percent of the 1116 police stations in the country had community policing forums.