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Immediate Suspension of SAPS Officers Implicated in Serious Crime Demanded

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) fully supports Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron’s call for the immediate suspension of all SAPS members arrested or charged with serious criminal offences. Keeping these individuals in active service undermines public trust and the integrity of the police.

The DA will write to the Minister of Police to demand:

  • The immediate suspension of all SAPS members arrested or charged with serious crimes, and the revocation of their police clearance to block access to firearms, sensitive systems, and operations;
  • The implementation of Section 34(1) boards of fitness to determine if any arrested officer should remain in the service; and
    A full list of SAPS members under arrest or investigation, the status of disciplinary proceedings, and reasons for retaining any of them in uniform.

We are alarmed by reports of SAPS officers facing charges for drug trafficking, gang activity, rape, and other violent crimes who remain on duty. This betrays the law-abiding officers in the service, and the communities they are meant to protect.

According to the most recent available statistics, as of 2022, over 10 000 SAPS members had criminal records, including serious charges such as assault, kidnapping, murder, and rape. The DA has submitted new parliamentary questions to the Minister of Police to ascertain the latest figures and the current status of these individuals.

The recent arrests of high-ranking officers, including Lt General Khumalo and six others, on charges of fraud and irregular appointments, have deepened the public’s distrust. These individuals, scheduled to appear in court again on 13 August 2025, are prohibited from entering Crime Intelligence premises or contacting witnesses.

No officer charged with a serious crime should remain in active service. The SAPS cannot fight crime while sheltering criminals within its own ranks. We call on the Minister to act without delay and restore integrity to law enforcement.

South Africans deserve a police service that is trusted, professional, and above reproach.

Regards

Dianne Kohler Barnard MP
DA Spokesperson on State Security

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