MOGOENG J [58] These are rights the state is under a constitutional obligation to respect, protect, promote and fulfil.42 As stated,43 a vital mechanism through which this is to be done is the police service. The Constitution provides for its establishment in section 205(1) and (2): ―(1) The national police service must be structured to function in the national, provincial and, where appropriate, local spheres of government. (2) National legislation must establish the powers and functions of the police service and must enable the police service to discharge its responsibilities effectively, taking into account the requirements of the provinces.‖ [59] The objects of the police service are stated in section 205(3) as— ―to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, and to uphold and enforce the law.‖ [60] In compliance with this constitutional injunction, the police service was established and clothed with the power and authority to be the hand through which the state would discharge these duties. This was done in terms of the national legislation contemplated by the Constitution.44 The assurance of protection and crime prevention given to the South African public by the supreme law, and the consequential establishment of the police service, understandably raised hopes and some expectation that dependable help is available. 42 Section 7(2) of the Constitution. 43 At [57] above. 44 The police service was established under section 5 of the SAPS Act above n 5, which refers to section 214 of the Interim Constitution, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 200 of 1993. 23