In response to ongoing concerns about corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly among senior ranks, the Minister of Police has outlined the steps taken to conduct lifestyle audits on high-ranking officials, including those in Crime Intelligence. These measures aim to detect irregular financial activity and identify potential cases of unexplained wealth among SAPS personnel.
The current audit process involves annual lifestyle reviews for all Senior Management Service (SMS) personnel, conducted through SAPS’s integrity control measures. These measures include the analysis of financial disclosures, gift management protocols, and external remunerative work. If any red flags emerge, the findings are escalated for further lifestyle investigations, with forensic auditors brought in when necessary. The SAPS Internal Audit Component also plays a role in identifying financial irregularities and potential corruption through forensic audits.
The latest lifestyle audit report was submitted to the Department of Public Service Administration (DPSA) on 31 January 2025. However, the Minister stated that only statistical information from these audits can be shared with Parliament, rejecting calls to release detailed findings for oversight purposes.
Amid growing pressure for greater transparency, the Minister has also dismissed the idea of appointing an independent external auditor to conduct lifestyle audits of SAPS officials. He defended SAPS’s internal capabilities, highlighting a multidisciplinary approach that involves Risk and Integrity Management, Internal Audit, Crime Intelligence, the Anti-Corruption Unit, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
Despite these assurances, concerns remain over potential internal bias and limited accountability, with critics arguing that an independent auditing body would enhance transparency and public trust in SAPS’s anti-corruption efforts. As allegations of corruption persist, the debate over the effectiveness of internal oversight versus independent scrutiny is likely to continue.
