Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply shocked by the growing number of officers implicated in serious crimes, but who are still in service.
When SAPS leadership was questioned in today’s Portfolio Committee on Police regarding the issue, it was met with vague and evasive excuses. The DA calls for immediate intervention.
The South African Police Services (SAPS), an institution tasked to uphold law and order within the country, is once again under threat facing a crisis of integrity and credibility.
The officers implicated included a police constable currently stationed in Kuilsriver, out on bail for rape, yet who remains in service.
Another officer is facing charges of attempted murder and torture, while serving as an acting station commander at Steenberg.
A Warrant Officer in Lentegeur, previously suspended and at a later stage charged with drunk driving, has returned to duty.
These are not minor infractions but serious allegations involving violence posing a clear threat to public safety.
Even more alarming is the location of the implicated officers. Areas such as Steenberg, Lentegeur and Belhar are among communities already plagued by violent crime, organised crime and gang violence. The presence of the implicated officers not only undermines law enforcement effort but also encourages criminal activity.
The lack of urgency that SAPS leadership showed today is jaw dropping, not even the basics such as suspension and/or removal has taken place. This signals not just a collapse in internal discipline, but an institutional culture where criminality is tolerated and even protected.
The DA calls for the following immediate actions:
- A national audit of all SAPS officers currently facing serious criminal charges — especially those involving violence, sexual offences, narcotics, and organised crime;
- A report to Parliament detailing why disciplinary or suspension processes have not been initiated in each case raised today;
- A review of SAPS’s suspension policy and the urgent implementation of Section 34 inquiries for all members with pending charges; and
- The immediate withdrawal of all operational duties, firearms, and public-facing responsibilities from any officer under investigation for serious crimes.
The trust of South Africans in a police service that allows alleged rapists, gang affiliates and drug smugglers to carry weapons and command stations, is at serious risk.
The DA will not back down in exposing this rot and will push for urgent legislative and disciplinary reforms to ensure that SAPS is led by professionals, not perpetrators.
Regards
Ian Cameron MP
DA Spokesperson on Police