Dear Editor
The Auditor-General’s report presented in the Police Portfolio Committee this morning exposes the shocking reality that SAPS and PSIRA are operating with a complete absence of consequence management.
Together, the two entities account for over R667 million in irregular spending in 2024/25, which includes R184 million identified this financial year, but relating to the prior year. Further, SAPS alone is sitting on R2.5 billion in unresolved irregular expenditure.
The same audit findings keep repeating, oversight is weak, and governance failures are persistent, eroding public confidence in policing and its oversight.
SAPS is in a state of near-collapse. Mismanagement here is not an abstract concept. It affects the safety and security of South Africans every single day. Delayed crime statistics, poorly functioning forensic labs, malfunctioning digital systems, and unchecked tender irregularities directly put people at risk.
Public trust is further shaken by revelations in the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc committee, which show systemic leadership failures at the top.
PSIRA is no better. Ongoing financial misstatements, overspending, reliance on external contractors, and weak internal audit functions make it clear that governance and accountability at this regulator are dangerously inadequate.
The Democratic Alliance demands immediate action:
- Fill the long-vacant SAPS Internal Audit post and enforce accountability at every level;
- Conduct lifestyle and skills audits for all SAPS senior management;
- Introduce Treasury-aligned tender reforms with strict due diligence;
- Fast-track digitisation of crime and forensic systems to produce accurate, timely data;
- PSIRA must implement an in-house billing system and fix internal controls immediately; and
- All unresolved irregular expenditure cases must be submitted for disciplinary or condonation action.
Repeated failure to act on audit findings is unacceptable. Every day that mismanagement continues, the safety of South Africans, the integrity of policing, and trust in law enforcement are further undermined.
The DA will hold both entities fully accountable and ensure these actions are implemented immediately. South Africans deserve a police service and oversight system that is competent, accountable, and deserving of public trust.
Regards
Ian Cameron MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police