Responding to a written parliamentary inquiry, SAPS declined to provide a detailed breakdown of vacant posts within its intelligence unit, citing national security risks. SAPS argued that revealing such information could expose operational vulnerabilities. Any request for these figures, noted the response, should be directed to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, Parliament’s oversight body for intelligence matters.

To bolster capacity in its intelligence wing, SAPS confirmed that 300 entry-level constables currently undergoing training will be deployed to the Division: Crime Intelligence once they graduate.

Additionally, 13 senior management posts are due to be advertised, pending approval by the Acting Minister of Police, who assumes duty on 1 August 2025. Beyond senior ranks, SAPS intends to advertise a further 221 posts at supervisory level, ranging from Warrant Officer to Colonel, within the current financial year.

The Detective Service, which continues to face widespread capacity constraints, is set to receive a significant injection of new personnel. SAPS stated that 3,469 trainee constables will be placed in detective services upon completing their training.

In addition, 1,200 posts across the ranks of constable, sergeant and warrant officer are being filled through re-enlistment and lateral transfers, while 353 former detectives will be reappointed on contract.

To strengthen leadership, four senior management posts have already been advertised, with further supervisory positions, from warrant officer up to colonel, earmarked for promotion-based appointments within the current financial year.

While SAPS has committed to boosting capacity, the refusal to disclose the exact number and duration of intelligence vacancies has raised questions over accountability and transparency. Critics argue that without clear data, it remains difficult to assess whether recruitment measures will be sufficient to address operational shortcomings in both crime intelligence and detective services.

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Addressing the media on Tuesday, Masemola confirmed the arrest of Crime Intelligence Divisional Commissioner Lieutenant General Khumalo and six other senior officers on 26 June. He revealed that all seven have since been reassigned within SAPS pending the outcome of internal disciplinary proceedings, in accordance with SAPS’s 2016 regulations.

“This is a pivotal moment,” Masemola said. “We will be judged by our resolve, our adherence to the law, and our unwavering commitment to service.”

Major General Makgato Appointed as Acting Crime Intelligence Head

In a critical announcement, Masemola introduced Major General Solomon Makgato as the acting head of Crime Intelligence. Makgato, the current head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, brings 36 years of experience in intelligence and investigations. He holds a BTech in Policing and a National Diploma in Police Administration.

“We have full confidence in Major General Makgato,” Masemola stated. “His leadership will enhance efficiency and maintain stability in crime intelligence.”

Masemola affirmed the central role of crime intelligence in SAPS strategy, emphasising its importance in tackling organised crime and allocating resources effectively.

Mkhwanazi’s Briefing “Within His Prerogative,” But Situation “Unprecedented”

Masemola also addressed the political firestorm ignited by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive briefing earlier this week. Mkhwanazi alleged widespread political interference in high-profile investigations, including the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team and the illegal seizure of 121 active dockets.

When asked if he sanctioned the briefing, Masemola said Mkhwanazi had indicated his intention to update the public on the task team’s work. “Provincial commissioners have the prerogative to brief the media,” he said. However, Masemola admitted the current state of affairs is “unprecedented and concerning” and called for unity over division.

Masemola declined to confirm whether the Minister of Police directed the shutdown of the task team or was under investigation for interference. “These matters are subject to investigation. Let the space be given for proper processes to unfold,” he said.

He added that, contrary to Mkhwanazi’s suggestion, he had not signed any letter disbanding the unit. “I have not authorised any closure of the task team,” he stated.

Political Killings Task Team Status in Limbo

Masemola would not clarify the status of the task team beyond confirming that he had not issued an order to terminate it. However, he acknowledged that following the arrest of suspect Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the reasons for interference with the team’s work had become apparent.

Pressed about the alleged removal of case dockets to SAPS headquarters, he avoided definitive answers and repeated that the matter should be left to investigators.

When asked whether he had engaged Mkhwanazi since the briefing, Masemola indicated that action would only be taken after discussions with the President, who is expected to return shortly. “Let’s engage with the President and then take matters forward,” he said.

Threats Against Mkhwanazi and Security Measures

In a striking admission, Masemola confirmed that Mkhwanazi has received threats to his life and that security has been “beefed up” accordingly. “There will be no persecution from my side,” he assured. “No SAPS member will be punished for doing their job.”

Public Trust in the Balance

Masemola closed the briefing with a plea for unity, stating “this is a time not to divide, but to stand together and fight crime together.”

His remarks come as Parliament, civil society and political parties continue to press for an independent investigation into the systemic failures within SAPS leadership. Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron previously warned that “criminal syndicates are rejoicing” as SAPS leadership turns on itself.

As internal investigations begin and the President prepares to meet with police leadership, the SAPS faces a credibility crisis that could reshape its future.

This remains a developing story.

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This request follows the recent arrest of seven senior officials for serious corruption-related offences. They appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the appointment of an unqualified civilian in a senior post. The arrests, which took place between June and July 2025, involved high-ranking officials responsible for financial oversight, personnel management and internal controls. The list includes:

• Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo (Divisional Commissioner)
• Maj-Gen Philani Lushaba (Chief Financial Officer)
• Maj-Gen Josias Lekalakala (Gauteng Crime Intelligence Head)
• Maj-Gen Nosipho Madondo (Head of Analysis Centre)
• Maj-Gen Zwelithini Gabela (Technology Services)
• Brig Dineo Mokwele (Technical Systems)
• Brig Phindile Ncube (Head of Vetting)

Mr de Villiers said these arrests raise grave concerns about systemic corruption within Crime Intelligence, particularly in relation to payroll fraud and the possible existence of “ghost workers” – non-existent individuals who draw salaries and benefits from the SAPS payroll.

In his letter, the Chairperson also refers to the Secret Services Account, a classified budget line intended for covert operations and informant payments, which has historically been flagged as highly vulnerable to abuse. With many of the arrested officials directly responsible for managing this fund, there is serious concern that public resources may have been misappropriated to fund fabricated operatives or fake intelligence activity. “It is reasonable to expect similar malpractice in payroll management… the possibility of irregular appointments, inflated headcounts and unvetted recruits of ‘ghost’ employees is high,” said the Chairperson.

The formal request also calls for the National Treasury and the Public Service Commission to coordinate an audit of the Crime Intelligence division within 90 days. This audit must focus on verifying headcounts against the number of personnel physically deployed. All Secret Service Account payments, including informant lists and payment records, must also be audited.

This request is aligned with the Minister of Finance and the Department of Public Service and Administration’s ongoing efforts to identify and remove ghost employees across the public service.

The Chairperson also reminded the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, and the rest of SAPS leadership that ghost-worker fraud in government is not isolated. “It takes sophisticated collusion to create and maintain these ghost-worker employees, who operate like organised criminal syndicates embedded in our government systems,” he said.

“We trust that under Minister Mchunu’s leadership, SAPS will use this opportunity to lead by example – rooting out embedded corruption and reclaiming public funds for real intelligence and public safety services.”

This urgent audit is not just a matter of financial accountability but also one of restoring public trust in Crime Intelligence and ensuring that South Africa’s intelligence-led policing is backed by a credible, ethical and fully functional institution.

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Those arrested include:

• Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence,
• Major General Lushaba, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who has now been arrested for a second time,
• Major General Lekalakala, Gauteng’s Head of Crime Intelligence,
• Major General Madondo, who leads the Crime Intelligence Analysis Centre,
• Major General Gabela from SAPS Technology Services,
• Brigadier Mokwele, the Technical Support System Manager,
• Brigadier Ncube, Head of the Vetting Office.

The charges reportedly involve corruption, defeating the ends of justice, perjury, manipulation of recruitment processes, the looting of Crime Intelligence’s covert slush fund, and the unauthorised use of public funds. The arrests mark a significant turning point in what many observers see as an overdue effort to hold senior law enforcement officials accountable for systemic abuse of their positions.

A key figure in the unfolding scandal is Brigadier Mokwele, whose appointment to a senior post within SAPS has drawn intense scrutiny. Mokwele, who previously worked in cybersecurity at BMW South Africa, was appointed to a brigadier role in Crime Intelligence despite having no policing background. Her annual salary is reported to be close to R1 million. The appointment has come to symbolise the irregular hiring practices and internal favouritism that critics argue have undermined the integrity and professionalism of the division.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly welcomed the arrests. Member of Parliament Dianne Kohler Barnard, the DA’s spokesperson on state security, issued a detailed statement in response to the developments. She said the arrests of Khumalo, Ncube, Madondo, and Gabela represent a long-overdue step toward salvaging a critical institution that has been pushed to the brink of collapse.

Kohler Barnard described the revelations as indicative of a serious breach of public trust within an institution tasked with safeguarding the country’s internal security and supporting police operations. She confirmed that the Democratic Alliance would maintain a watching brief on the investigation.

In February this year, Kohler Barnard wrote to the Inspector General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, after exposing that Crime Intelligence had allegedly spent R22.8 million on the purchase of a commercial property in Berea, Durban, and a further R22.7 million on a luxury boutique hotel in Pretoria North. These acquisitions were both authorised by Major General Lushaba in his capacity as CFO, and by Lieutenant General Khumalo. According to Kohler Barnard, the transactions were not only highly questionable but also symptomatic of a broader culture of financial mismanagement within the division.

“These properties appear to be just the tip of the iceberg,” she said, warning that the full scope of what is being uncovered could lead to the collapse of Crime Intelligence as an institution.

The crisis deepened earlier this month when it emerged that Major General Lushaba had handed himself over to the authorities. This followed an incident in which a sex worker allegedly stole his state-issued firearm and laptop. Lushaba reportedly lied about the circumstances surrounding the incident, an act that contributed directly to his arrest.

Compounding the situation are reports that key investigative dockets, including those related to Brigadier Mokwele’s controversial appointment, had mysteriously disappeared. These cases have since been reopened in Gauteng by Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams and prominent private investigator Paul O’Sullivan. They were escalated to IDAC, which is now spearheading a more aggressive phase of investigation and prosecution.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has publicly expressed support for IDAC’s action. He described the arrests as “long overdue” and emphasised the importance of restoring public trust in SAPS. Cameron reiterated the committee’s stance that integrity audits, skills audits, lifestyle audits, and a thorough review of senior SAPS appointments are now urgent and non-negotiable.

Kohler Barnard also drew a direct line between the current scandal and the legacy of state capture under former president Jacob Zuma. She stated that Crime Intelligence had become a “cash cow for Zuma-aligned cronies” and called on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to ensure that those found guilty face the full consequences of the law.

The Democratic Alliance, she said, had held out hope that Crime Intelligence was beginning to emerge from the shadow of the Richard Mdluli era, a period widely associated with political interference and misuse of intelligence resources. “Sadly for South Africa, that is not the case,” she concluded.

With more arrests anticipated in the coming days, the scandal now threatens to engulf broader elements of SAPS leadership, raising serious questions about accountability, oversight, and the future of South Africa’s intelligence and law enforcement capacity.

More arrests are expected as investigations continue.

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While Minister Mchunu has ordered a directive to disband the Political Killings Task team, the order has yet to be followed. The DA has emphasised that this action should mark only the beginning of a broader clean-up within the embattled intelligence unit. The Minister has further pledged to work with the Police Portfolio Committee to scrutinise the continued employment of family members of former Gauteng crime intelligence head, Richard Mdluli.

The DA has repeatedly raised concerns about internal power struggles within Crime Intelligence and the ongoing conflict between factions within SAPS. The party maintains that these issues must be addressed through rigorous internal investigations and swift accountability measures.

Earlier this year, the DA called for the Inspector-General for Intelligence (IGI) to investigate Crime Intelligence’s acquisition of two high-value properties, one of which was reportedly purchased for R13 million above its listed price. Recent reports suggest that the IGI’s investigation has faced obstruction and that the police minister was not adequately informed about these transactions from the outset.

The DA underscores that the reform of Crime Intelligence is a pivotal moment for SAPS. The unit has long been marred by allegations of political interference, dating back to Richard Mdluli’s tenure and his efforts to undermine the now-defunct Scorpions. Accusations of corruption, questionable procurements, obstruction of justice, internal smear campaigns, and multi-million rand thefts from supposedly secure offices have further tarnished its reputation.

The party insists that Minister Mchunu must take comprehensive measures to restore integrity within the unit. To this end, the DA has committed to collaborating with the Minister through the Police Portfolio Committee to ensure that those responsible for misconduct are held accountable.

An earlier version of this article noted that the DA welcomed Minister Mchunu’s decision to  dismiss national crime intelligence head, Dumisani Khumalo. However, it has been revealed that Khumalo has not been dismissed.

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SAPS officials sought to assure the committee that intelligence operations were functioning effectively, however lawmakers raised serious concerns regarding persistent leadership instability, politically motivated misuse of intelligence, and the failure to prevent violent crime and unrest. The hearing underscored the urgent need for stronger oversight, accountability, and structural reforms to restore confidence in the country’s crime intelligence capabilities.

One of the committee’s primary concerns was the ongoing instability within crime intelligence leadership, which has significantly affected its operational effectiveness. Committee members argued that overs the years, repeated leadership changes, political interference, and disciplinary disputes have weakened the division, making it difficult to fulfil its core mandate of gathering and analysing intelligence to combat crime.

Officials referenced past state capture investigations and the July 2021 riots, which exposed severe intelligence failures. Reports found that crime intelligence was unable to anticipate, prevent, or disrupt the deadly unrest, highlighting gaps in the country’s security framework. The committee stressed stable leadership and strategic oversight were needed, or intelligence services would continue to be reactive rather than proactive towards threats.

Genera Masemola attempted to downplay concerns, insisting crime intelligence remains functional and has contributed to recent successful police operations. However, lawmakers pointed out that frequent reshuffling of top officials and the slow pace of reforms continue to hamper long-term stability.

Minister Mchunu further voiced his frustration over the prolonged delay in appointing a Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI), which is meant to provide oversight over crime intelligence operations. The lack of this critical parliamentary body has left many intelligence-related issues unresolved, further compounding the perception of disorder within the division.

Beyond leadership instability, the committee examined allegations of corruption and the politicisation of intelligence. Members noted that crime intelligence has faced repeated accusations of misusing state resources for political purposes, failing to act on critical threats, and allowing internal factions to compromise operations.

One of the key concerns raised was the mismanagement of secret funds, a recurring issue within the division. The State Capture Commission previously uncovered large-scale fraud involving crime intelligence funds, where millions were misappropriated for personal gain. The committee questioned whether enough had been done to implement safeguards against such abuses, particularly given reports that control measures were only recently tightened.

The recent appointment of senior personnel within crime intelligence also came under scrutiny. Allegations surfaced on social media claiming certain individuals were hired without proper qualifications or had political connections influencing their appointments. While SAPS officials provided detailed explanations of the hiring process, including qualifications and interview procedures, committee members remained sceptical.

Minister Mchunu acknowledged the recruitment process required greater transparency and standardisation. He stressed that vague job advertisements and flexible hiring criteria left room for criticism and potential manipulation. The Minister pledged that moving forward, the department would review and tighten recruitment policies to ensure appointments were based solely on merit and not influenced by internal power struggles.

One of the most alarming issues raised was the regular leakage of sensitive crime intelligence information, which has been used to undermine SAPS leadership, disrupt operations, and even expose officers to danger.

Committee members described a worrying pattern of misinformation and deliberate leaks, particularly through social media and anonymous whistleblowers. Some leaks have revealed legitimate cases of corruption and misconduct, while others have been accused of spreading false narratives to discredit leadership or derail disciplinary actions against certain officers.

General Masemola warned these leaks were compromising national security and called for stronger internal controls to protect intelligence operations. However, he acknowledged that whistleblowing played an important role in exposing wrongdoing, noting SAPS must find a balance between protecting classified information and ensuring accountability.

Minister Mchunu went further, suggesting some leaks were politically motivated and designed to create instability within SAPS. He highlighted the need for clearer legislation on handling intelligence disclosures to prevent malicious attempts to derail investigations.

Committee members expressed concern that internal divisions within SAPS were fuelling these leaks, making it even more difficult to implement necessary reforms. They urged the department to address factionalism and restore trust in the intelligence division.

Throughout the briefing, committee members repeatedly returned to the failure of crime intelligence to prevent major security crises. One of the significant events discussed was the July 2021 Riots. Intelligence agencies were widely blamed for failing to anticipate and prevent the widespread unrest that led to hundreds of deaths and billions in damages.

Further, the issue of politically motivated killings was raised. Despite the establishment of a Political Killings Task Team, assassinations remain rampant, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Over 170 politically motivated murders have occurred since 2011.

The final concern was organised crime activity. SAPS has had limited success in dismantling organised criminal syndicates, raising concerns about whether intelligence efforts are sufficiently targeting high-level criminals.

The failure to provide timely intelligence and respond effectively to emerging threats has significantly damaged the credibility of the division. Lawmakers stressed that unless SAPS rebuilds a strong, independent, and well-resourced intelligence unit, South Africa would remain vulnerable to criminal networks, political violence, and civil unrest.

The Portfolio Committee on Police concluded the session by urging SAPS leadership to take decisive action to address the ongoing dysfunction within crime intelligence.

Key recommendations focused on the need to stabilise leadership, ensuring senior crime intelligence officials remain in place long enough to implement meaningful reforms. The committee further called for tighter recruitment processes to eliminate perceptions of favouritism or political interference, reinforcing the importance of merit-based appointments.

Strengthening oversight and transparency was another priority, with urgent action required to establish the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to provide proper accountability. Additionally, SAPS was urged to implement stronger control measures to prevent the misuse of intelligence resources and secret funds, ensuring financial and operational integrity is upheld. Finally, while cracking down on internal leaks was seen as essential to protecting sensitive operations, committee members stressed the importance of safeguarding legitimate whistleblowing to expose corruption and misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Minister Mchunu acknowledged that serious reforms were needed but emphasised crime intelligence remained operational and had contributed to recent police successes in “tackling organised crime.”

However, members of the committee stressed that unless structural changes were made, crime intelligence would continue to be plagued by controversy, inefficiency, and public mistrust.

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The incident took place on Friday 18 October, with Cameron saying, “There seems to be a worrying increase in mass murders in South Africa, something that is unacceptable and against the common vision and objective of the creation of safe and secure country.”

Cameron further called for “a concerted effort between the police and the community in order to stop this worrying trend.”

The Chairperson specifically noted the lack of effective investigations of criminal cases and prosecutions of alleged criminals, which he stated contributes to the rising criminality in South Africa. Furthermore, Cameron said without proper investigation and prosecution, all forms of criminality will continue to rise.

Cameron has repeatedly called for sound capacitation and strengthening of detective and crime intelligence units in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The recent increase in mass killings is of particular concern, with Cameron saying “these communities that are depicted as mass murder hotspots by the recent crime statistics, were havens and citadels of peace and harmony historically and conservatively intolerant to all forms of crime. We are calling on SAPS to invigorate collaboration with traditional leaders and community policing forums to push back the frontiers of crime in rural communities particularly in the villages where it has reached unimaginable proportions.”

Cameron further stated the proliferation of illegal firearms which are used by the perpetrators of these crimes calls for the intensification of effective multiplicity of crime fighting strategies and to disarm criminals of those firearms. “We must do whatever is necessary to turn the tide of murders in the country,” he said.

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During his working visit, Minister Mchunu held a bilateral meeting with the Chinese Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong. The discussions centered “on enhancing cooperation between South Africa and China in the area of public security.” Both Ministers placed strong emphasis on “the crucial role of technology in crime detection and prevention,” said a statement released by the Minister.

Minister Mchunu additionally noted the importance of leveraging advanced technological tools to strengthen crime intelligence strategies, with the two agreeing to initiate joint programmes and training sessions. These will be aimed at improving the capacity of law enforcement agencies in both nations, specifically to combat sophisticated criminal activities.

Minister Mchunu further welcomed the generous financial assistance announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the State Visit by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa. This funding is directed towards South Africa’s “fight against crime and corruption, reinforcing the country’s commitment to creating a safer and more secure environment for all its citizens.”

“The key takeaway from the forum is that crime is a global issue that transcends borders, and no country, regardless of its crime rate, can tackle it alone. International cooperation between countries and law enforcement agencies, such as Interpol, is essential in fighting transnational crime. Public security should never be handled in isolation; instead, it requires collaboration, consensus, and information sharing among global partners,” said Minister Mchunu.

The Minister praised the conference for offering a platform that fostered collaboration, and he reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening ties with international security agencies to combat crime effectively.

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Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Detective Services and Crime Intelligence aided in tracing operations, while other members of SAPS conducted roadblocks and stop and searches. The SAPS said it has taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities that it serves.

The SAPS announced 1 953 suspects were arrested for contact crimes, such as murder, rape, and business robbery. Arrests for murder came to 149 suspects, with one third of those coming from KwaZulu Natal (KZN), with 53 suspects. KZN also saw 76 of the 179 total arrests for rape.

Police have noted that assault with grievous bodily harm continues to register a large number of arrests, with 1 536 suspects arrested.

Driving under the influence saw 404 suspects arrested, 107 of which were arrested in the Western Cape.

The SAPS additionally made several recoveries, with 137 firearms confiscated, along with 5922 rounds of ammunition. Further, 53 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

Criminals have continued to fire of police officers, with six CIT armed robbers killed in Germiston in a shootout. A further six extortionists were shot and killed in Durban after confrontation with police. In Mthatha, criminals brazenly attacked members of the National Intervention Unit outside their offices, resulting in three deaths.

The OR Tambo district saw officers man 121 vehicle checkpoints and 32 roadblocks, searching 4570 people.

OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Pumzile Cetyana, applauded his members for increasing police visibility in the hot-spot areas of the district. “We will continue with these operations to ensure that communities feel safe and simultaneously regain the trust in the Service”, added Maj Gen Cetyana.

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Major-General Norman Sekhukhune presented the statistics to the committee, reporting an increase in contact crimes over the two quarters, with 171 707 crimes reported in the fourth quarter, an increase of 4.6%.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 153 637 contact crimes during the first quarter of this financial year, an increase of 2.6% compared to the same period last year, the statistics show.

Some committee members flagged the statistics on crimes against women and children as “particularly concerning.” Those statistics show the overall number of women murdered in 2023/24 is lower than 2022/23 (a decrease of 1.92%), however the significant increase of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2024/25 compared to the first quarter of 2023/24 is concerning.

According to SAPS’ statistics, 966 women were murdered during the first quarter of 2024/25, and 1 644 murders were attempted against women, with a further 13 757 women assaulted with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. In 2023/24, 24 942 women were murdered, significantly higher than in 2021/22 (9.1% increase).

Furthermore, the first quarter of 2024/25 saw 314 children were murdered, with 424 murders attempted against children, and 1 596 children were assaulted with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

One committee member, Ms. Molebogeng Letlape, said the statistics do not present anything new as the numbers from previous quarters show that these crimes continue to happen in the same areas as before. Letlape asked the SAPS delegation what strategies and measures were in place to address this.

“In terms of resources, in terms of crime intelligence, in terms of data collection, what are the measures and strategies that [you] have in place to ensure that there is a decrease in murders, rape and other crimes so that when we come back for the next quarterly report, we don’t find ourselves in the same situation?” Letlape asked.

She further stated it is alarming that despite efforts and budgets made available, improvement remains lackluster. She further noted that of those murdered, over 1 000 are women who are exposed to crime, murder and rape on a daily basis.

Another committee member, Ms. Lise-Mare Schickerling, reminded the meeting attendees that the chilling statistics on rape mean that there is a high probability that one of the women in the (meeting) room could be the next victim of rape.

Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tobello Mosikili, said figures showing arrests of gang members, rapists and extortionists indicate communities’ calls are being heard. She stated the focus of SAPS remains on serious crime, and will continue to receive the necessary attention.

Committee members raised further concern over the state of some police stations, which are in serious disrepair and are not conducive to quality policing. Others raised concerns over the lack of crime intelligence and limited resources, such as police vehicles, which hamper crime fighting efforts.

Minister Mchunu acknowledged that while current strategies are beginning to show results, there is more to be done. He reassured committee members that plans are in place to support SAPS leadership. “We are working on turnaround times. We need to improve that. We just need a little bit of time,” he said. “We don’t expect these numbers to persist. It will go down,” he stated.

The Minister conceded that crime intelligence is a major concern, specifically their capacity (numbers, technology and skills). He reminded the committee that crime intelligence has been “hollowed out over the years,” and improving the situation will take time.

Lieutenant-General Mosikili, in turn, reminded the committee that scarce resources are a challenge across the board. She acknowledged poor maintenance of police stations as a challenge but noted SAPS is working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to address infrastructure concerns.

With scarce resources, Cameron stressed the need for an integrated strategy where both SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority work towards common goals, “streamlining efforts to ensure that cases are effectively investigated, prosecuted, and brought to a successful conclusion.”

“As we work together to protect our communities, we must remember that our ultimate goal is to build a safer, more just South Africa for all. We cannot and dare not fail,” Cameron said. He further added, “only through such collaboration can we hope to restore trust in our justice system and provide the safety and security that the people of South Africa deserve.”

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