The Police Portfolio Committee (PCOP) recently convened to assess the state of the country’s policing and law enforcement, with discussions highlighting numerous issues hampering law enforcement efforts. The session covered challenges related to policing effectiveness, governance concerns, prosecution inefficiencies, and systemic issues within the criminal justice system.

During the recent festive season, high police visibility produced notable results, with the committee praising the reduction in criminal activity during the period, attributing it to increased deployment of personnel and restricted leave for officers. However, committee members questioned why similar visible policing efforts are not sustained throughout the year.

Several committee members raised concerns about the drop in police visibility outside of special operations. This inconsistency, they argued, diminishes public confidence in law enforcement and emboldens criminal activity.

Committee members further criticised the resource shortages that continue to plague law enforcement. Several districts reported insufficient access to blood kits for conducting DUI tests, limiting the police’s ability to pursue charges against drunk drivers.

Further, members highlighted the lack of trained dogs in K9 units, which hampers efforts in drug detection and search operations. Hon. Shing questioned the police’s timeline for fully resourcing the K9 units.

Vehicle fleets used by the police face their own restraints, with many often in disrepair or awaiting parts, sometimes for months. Officers are forced to use personal vehicles or rely on external help to travel to crime scenes. Efforts to decentralise vehicle maintenance and improve supply chain management are ongoing but have yet to yield significant improvements.

Forensic services remain understaffed, and laboratory capacity is inadequate. The committee expressed frustration at the continued reliance on only four national labs, which delays evidence processing. Plans to establish forensic labs in each province are in the early stages, but committee members emphasised the need for quicker action.

The issue of extortion-related crimes was another key focus of the hearing. Criminal syndicates, especially those targeting the construction industry, continue to disrupt projects with demands for protection fees. Dubbed the “construction mafia,” these groups have also been linked to drug distribution and firearms trafficking.

Police representatives detailed ongoing intelligence-driven operations to counter these threats, but the committee stressed the need for broader co-operation with communities and businesses. Dereleen James, committee member for ActionSA, urged the Departmental leadership to unify efforts to break up the syndicates and disrupt their financial networks.

One of the committee’s major concerns was the weak collaboration between law enforcement and the justice system. Several committee members cited instances where suspects, despite being arrested with strong evidence, were released due to court procedural errors or lenient bail decisions.

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, acknowledged this frustration, confirming that meetings with the Minister of Justice were planned to address these issues. He stressed the need for the justice system to provide timely and plausible explanations when suspects are released.

“There are cases where we, as police, believe we have done our job. Yet, we are blindsided when suspects walk free without consultation,” the Minister stated.

The Committee further discussed the country’s bail system and its perceived leniency. Several committee members suggested bail be withheld for suspects with multiple arrests, especially for violent crimes. The on-going review of the bail system by the South African Law Reform Commission was noted, with committee members expressing hope that stricter bail conditions would be recommended.

The session also exposed potential misuse of police resources and procurement misconduct, with Fadiel Adams, committee member for the National Coloured Congress (NCC) highlighting an alleged case where crime intelligence purchased property for R24 million without following the proper procurement procedures. The committee has demanded transparency and requested a full investigation into the matter. Adams further demanded regular audits of major purchases and detailed reports on all ongoing investigations involving corruption or misuse of funds.

Concerns were further raised regarding the management of confiscated firearms, with members pointing out that confiscated weapons have repeatedly found their way back into criminal hands due to lax oversight. The committee urged the Department to fast-track their efforts to centralise firearm storage and ensure the destruction of illegal weapons.

Some members suggested that festive season operations be extended throughout the year, however this would require adjustments to the leave system and the allocation of additional resources, something members argued is necessary to maintain public safety.

Members stressed the need for greater cooperation between police and communities, recommending that law enforcement establish more partnerships with local community policing forums (CPFs) and businesses to gather intelligence and build trust. This approach, they argued, could be especially effective in combating organised crime and extortion.

The committee additionally stressed the need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy in historically crime-prone areas, such as the Cape Flats in Western Cape. James further suggested that local residents be recruited to play a larger role in policing these areas, combined with specialised police units and continuous high-visibility patrols.

Discussions revealed a law enforcement system facing significant operational, governance, and coordination challenges. Despite commendable efforts during the festive season, systemic issues within both the police and justice systems continue to hinder progress. The committee’s critiques and recommendations underscore the urgency of reforming South Africa’s policing and criminal justice strategies.

Moving forward, the Committee believes that sustained police operations, an expanded forensic capacity, tighter procurement oversight, and strengthened community partnerships will be critical to restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of all South Africans