SAPS has coughed up more than R2,4 billion in payouts due to unlawful arrests since 2018 – AfriForum demands urgent reform

15 September 2024  

Payouts of claims following unlawful arrests by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the duration of former Police Minister Bheki Cele’s term, from 2018 to June 2024, amounted to more than R2,4 billion, according to the civil rights organisation AfriForum. In 2023/2024 alone, payouts of at least R600 million were made. Compared to payouts made in 2018/2019, last year’s payouts show an increase of almost 70%. AfriForum maintains that this shocking revelation now necessitates the urgent reform of the SAPS’ training programmes and practices.

AfriForum’s demand for reform follows in response to alarming figures of unlawful arrests that the current Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, revealed earlier in parliament. According to Mchunu, a total of 4 135 unlawful arrests were carried out in the 2023/2024 financial year, which resulted in claims of more than R2 billion. Although Mchunu emphasised in his parliamentary response to the matter that the amount does not reflect the actual payouts, the extent of the problem, which clearly reached critical levels in Cele’s term, is enormous.

Wrongful arrests are unacceptable and seriously erode public trust in South African law enforcement, AfriForum maintains.

AfriForum therefore strongly urges the SAPS to conduct an in-depth review of its training programmes and pay particular attention to the legal aspects that accompany arrests. Proper training is crucial to ensure that officers not only have sufficient knowledge of the law but are also equipped with the necessary skills to carry out their duties fairly and effectively.

According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, the civil rights organisation is also calling for a comprehensive review of the SAPS’s internal systems and processes, as wrongful arrests are symptomatic of a much bigger issue in the Police.

While AfriForum appreciates the hard work of the large number of dedicated police officers, the recruitment, vetting and training of SAPS personnel require urgent attention. The devolution of policing powers is another way to ensure that quality training and accountability will be reinforced among police officers.

AfriForum maintains that the reform of the SAPS is a key step in building a safer South Africa and that this reform should include the devolution of policing powers to lower levels of government.

“We call on the new SAPS administration to take immediate steps to address the internal challenges facing the police, including poor training standards, low morale among Police members and resource shortages. AfriForum is convinced that, with the right leadership and reforms, the SAPS can regain the public’s trust and ensure that all South Africans are protected against crime.”

Issued by Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson: Community Safety, AfriForum, 15 September 2024