“In terms of the powers vested in me by Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have decided to appoint the following person as Minister for the portfolio indicated in the signed President’s Act. The said Minister-Designate, who is about to become Minister, is Professor Firoz Cachalia… (sic),” said President Cyril Ramaphosa during the ceremony.

The swearing in follows President Ramaphosa’s announcement last month that he had placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.

The affirmation was administered by Acting Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba, following Cachalia’s appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The President further announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi had raised concerns about an alleged criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures. He also accused Mchunu of colluding with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

Director-General in The Presidency, Phindile Baleni, who spoke at the swearing-in, congratulated the newly appointed Minister.

“Minister, we congratulate you on your appointment and wish you much success in your duties and endeavours to make South Africa and the world a better place for all,” Baleni said.

Addressing members of the media after the ceremony, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns regarding the seeming duplication in the police ministry.

“I know there is a technicality about seeming to have two Ministers in the same portfolio, and that is a matter I do believe is going to be resolved within a short space of time.

“I directed the commission [of inquiry] to complete its work as quickly as possible, so whatever confusion there might be is going to be of a short duration. I expect a report from the commission within three months and if they have to ask for an extension, we will give consideration to that.

“I do want this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible but at the same time, we have had to provide leadership to the police service. We can’t leave a vacuum. Whilst all of this is happening, Minister Mchunu is on leave while this matter is being resolved, and he is preparing himself, as I hear, to appear before the commission,” the President said.

Speaking to the media about his new role, Cachalia said he had not yet had an opportunity to meet with the President but had been informed that the first Cabinet meeting would take place on Wednesday, and he assumed the President would engage with him in due course.

Cachalia assured the public that he is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the role and is committed to prioritising their safety and security.

“I don’t think there are any specific fears going into this portfolio. I understand the moment the country is in and the weight of the responsibility that I have, together with the others in government. I want to assure the public that their safety and security is uppermost in my mind. That’s what I am going to focus on, and I hope that I will be able to take the country forward,” he said.

Responding to a question on whether he supports the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Cachalia said he would comment after meeting with National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Thursday next week.

“I don’t think it will be appropriate for me to comment on that without having the benefit of a discussion with him,” he said.

Cachalia also touched on his dual role as chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council, whose term ends at the end of the month.

“I do think that my appointment as a Minister of this portfolio, while I am still the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council – the term of which expires at the end of this month… I am now in a better position than I was as chairperson to take the recommendations of the Council forward, and I will certainly be doing so.”

Cachalia said he would ask the National Commissioner, during their upcoming meeting, to arrange a session between the Anti-Corruption Council and the police management team to discuss the Council’s recommendations, adding that it is his intention to work closely with the Minister of Justice, as the recommendations impact both their portfolios.

“We will together be in a much better position going forward to take those recommendations forward. The recommendations that the Council has made are the ones I am committed to fully implementing,” Cachalia said.

On when he will travel to KwaZulu-Natal to meet with General Mkhwanazi, Cachalia said the visit will depend on his discussion with the National Commissioner.

“As the national Minister, I have to visit all the provinces – in what sequence and with what priorities in mind, that still has to be determined. So, I will answer that question in the coming days,” he said.

Minister Cachalia vowed to work hard and remain focused on his responsibilities despite the challenges surrounding his appointment.

“I will work hard. I am not distracted by the noise, and I am not driven by political ambition. I have been given a task. I am going to tackle the task without fear or favour, subject of course to the President’s guidance and direction as a member of the Cabinet,” the Minister said.

The post Professor Firoz Cachalia sworn in as Minister of Police appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Speaking at the Ministerial Business Partnership Dinner, a formal engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between government and private industry, Minister Mchunu underscored the importance of moving beyond rhetoric and towards meaningful, measurable outcomes. His address comes in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2023 directive to the SAPS to urgently seek out cooperative frameworks with business, as part of a broader effort to enhance public safety.

“We are here tonight to breathe life into the partnership between SAPS and the business community,” Mchunu said. “We are not merely sharing a meal; we are recommitting ourselves to a shared responsibility in the fight against crime and corruption.”

The Minister emphasised the significance of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy, which places partnerships at the heart of a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to crime prevention. He noted that the strategy aims to build consensus around specific interventions that these partnerships can deliver, offering a path forward in tackling South Africa’s persistent criminal threats.

Mchunu painted a sobering picture of the security landscape. He raised alarm over the high murder rate, the proliferation of illegal firearms, which were implicated in 43 percent of murders recorded in the third quarter of the previous year, and the growing presence of transnational drug trafficking syndicates. He said the police were actively dismantling both domestic and cross-border criminal networks and are currently addressing inefficiencies in the Central Firearms Registry.

Other serious crimes on the rise include kidnappings, extortion, and stock theft. The Minister expressed concern over these trends, stating that continued violent crime, organised crime and corruption pose a threat to the country’s democratic institutions and economic stability. Such criminality, he said, undermines investor confidence and hinders national development.

A particularly painful issue remains gender-based violence and femicide. Mchunu referenced the recent rape and murder of an eight-day-old baby by her father, who has since received two life sentences, as an example of the horrific violence still facing women and children in South Africa. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the country’s most vulnerable, affirming that this must remain a top priority.

The Minister reaffirmed that SAPS is constitutionally mandated to ensure that all South Africans are and feel safe, a responsibility he described as solemn, not symbolic. He stated that the Ministry is focused on building a professional, responsive, and ethical police service, but stressed that vision alone was insufficient. Adequate resources, including infrastructure, skilled personnel and financial investment, are essential to realising the vision of a modern and effective police force.

To that end, the Ministry is prioritising the adoption of advanced technology, strengthening of crime intelligence, improved detective work, the revitalisation of forensic services, and better working conditions for officers. These, he said, are critical enablers of SAPS’s strategic objectives.

Reflecting on the Cooperation Agreements signed with Gauteng Metros in October 2024, Mchunu hailed the initiative as a bold and significant step forward. Business, he noted, had been at the table from the start, and the collaboration had now matured into a partnership focused on three strategic areas: enhancing investigative capacity, the provision of physical resources, and the application of technological innovation.

Among the most notable developments is a pilot project to automate five police stations, with the intention of eventually expanding the system nationally. The longstanding issue of docket management is also being tackled through the development of secure, digitised systems for storage and tracking.

Mchunu acknowledged reputational damage caused by underperforming forensic laboratories but insisted that change is underway. SAPS is working to increase the number of labs and improve the turnaround time for processing DNA and other tests. In a show of support, the business community has committed to equipping laboratories with cutting-edge technology, expanding their number, and exploring the establishment of electronic laboratories.

A meeting with the chief executives of various business entities was scheduled to follow the evening’s engagement, intended to lay the groundwork for the next phase of the collaboration. A SAPS/Business Stakeholder Forum will be established to ensure that commitments are followed through with action. Mchunu was clear that this partnership must not descend into a mere “talk shop”, but rather serve as a vehicle for meaningful and sustained progress.

Looking ahead, the Minister announced the start of a three-day National Policing Summit, beginning the following day. The summit will focus on shaping the future of policing in South Africa and aims to build a service that is efficient, proactive, professional, and capable of responding to the demands of a dynamic society.

Concluding his address, Mchunu made a strong appeal for genuine commitment from all parties involved. “It is easy to commit in words. It is much harder to commit in action,” he said. “Tonight, I call on all of us, government, SAPS, and business leaders, to move beyond theory and into implementation. Let us walk this path together, not just with good intentions, but with concrete plans, measurable progress, and shared accountability.”

The post Police Minister urges stronger Police-Business alliance in battle against crime appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

At approximately 18:40, law enforcement officers spotted a white Isuzu double cab, suspected to be involved in a series of CIT heists. The vehicle was located on the R63 route near Qumrha, where road construction was underway. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to evade capture by reversing their vehicle and opening fire on officers. In response, officers engaged, returning fire and forcing the vehicle to a standstill. Two suspects attempted to flee the scene but were apprehended shortly afterwards.

The subsequent investigation revealed a high level of preparedness. A suspect was found fatality wounded in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, with a rifle found beside them. Additionally, three AK style rifles, one R5 rifle, two buckets full of ammunition, a khaki bulletproof vest, and explosives were recovered. The vehicle was later confirmed as stolen in Mthatha earlier this year and was linked to several CIT heists in the region. The National Commissioner has provided the Minister with a detailed report.

In his commendation, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, stated, “we salute the tireless efforts of the East London TRT, the East London Tracking Team, and the K9 unit, whose commitment led to the successful disruption of this criminal operation. While this success is a significant blow to criminal syndicates targeting cash-in-transit operations, the Ministry is deeply concerned about the increasing frequency of these crimes. We want to make it clear that this rise in CIT heists will not be tolerated. The extent to which these criminals were armed is particularly troubling; high-calibre firearms such as AK-47s and an R5 rifle were found in their vehicle. The Ministry, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is committed to dismantling these criminal networks and ensuring that those responsible for these dangerous acts face the full force of the law.

“In addition, we strongly urge companies involved in the transportation of cash to be more vigilant and to tighten their security measures. The screening of employees, particularly those handling sensitive operations, must be enhanced to prevent any potential insider threats. The police will continue to engage with the private sector to ensure that appropriate security systems are in place. The Ministry recognises the gravity of the situation, particularly in provinces where crime rates remain high. We are actively working on additional plans to further strengthen our national strategy against crime. The safety of our citizens is a priority, and we will continue to deploy resources and implement measures aimed at reducing crime across the country.”

The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, has firmly defended police officers who respond with authority and the powers vested in them in the fight against crime. This follows numerous incidents in several provinces where heavily armed criminals have shown a disregard for the law, and engaged in shootouts with police officers.

“For as long as criminals attack police officers, the police will respond decisively, as empowered by the relevant legislation that governs their work,” said General Masemola.

“Police have observed with concern statements issued in defence of criminals and the questionable silence when police officers are killed in the line of duty, including community members who are always at risk and at times killed as innocent bystanders,” he added.

Section 205 of the South African Constitution mandates the South African Police Service to prevent, investigate, and combat crime, maintain public order, protect citizens and their property, and uphold and enforce the law.

Since 1 April 2024, 21 police officers have been killed in the line of duty, which has resulted in calls for community members and civil society to rally behind the police in the fight against crime.

Police officers across the country continue their work, maintaining public order and fighting crime. Since the inception of the high-density Operation Shanela, over 1.2 million individuals have been arrested for various crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, and aggravated robbery, among others.

The post Minister commends Police bravery in CIT heist operation as National Commissioner warns criminals of decisive action appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The operation, conducted on Friday, 7 February 2025, was led by Polokwane and Musina Crime Scene Investigators in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation. Investigations into corruption, fraud, and violations of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 had been ongoing since 2021.

The initial arrests included five suspects—four municipal officials and one driving school owner. Over the weekend, additional arrests led to the apprehension of five more suspects, including three officials. Subsequent efforts brought the total number of suspects in custody to 18, with ongoing investigations expected to yield more arrests.

In a separate case, an Indian male who was kidnapped in KwaDukuza in September 2024 was released on Monday, 10 February 2025. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is leading the investigation to identify and apprehend the kidnappers.

Commenting on these incidents, Minister Mchunu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and holding those who betray public trust accountable.

“The South African Police Service and all law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who betray the public’s trust face the full might of justice,” said Minister Mchunu. “We unequivocally condemn any abuse of power and criminal conduct by government officials, particularly those entrusted with critical responsibilities in our institutions. Let this be a clear message: those who engage in corruption and criminality within our government structures will be held accountable. The culture of impunity must end.”

The Minister also praised the swift actions of law enforcement officers in securing the safe release of the kidnapped victim. “This success is a testament to the dedication and skill of our police officers. We urge them to continue their thorough investigation to ensure that all those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice without delay,” he added.

Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to dismantle corruption networks and ensure the safety and security of all South Africans.

The post Police Minister Condemns Corruption and Abuse of Power Following Arrests at Lephalale Municipality appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Releasing the statistics on 25 November, the Minister emphasised strides made under the 7th Administration, which is working to transform the SAPS into a modern, efficient, and community-centered institution.

From July to September 2024, crime trends began to show a general decline, with serious crimes reducing by 5.1%. Notable decreases were observed in murder, rape, aggravated robbery, and property-related offenses, although attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm saw slight increases. These mixed results underscore the importance of sustained efforts to address both violent and organized crime, noted the Minister.

Operational successes during this period included dismantling drug laboratories, arresting individuals involved in illegal mining and cash-in-transit heists, and confiscating significant amounts of firearms, ammunition, and drugs. Convictions have also increased, with 265 life sentences issued for serious crimes and substantial penalties for those involved in organized and economic crimes.

Despite these achievements, the Minister stated challenges still persist, including high levels of gender-based violence, organized crime, corruption, and the need for improved forensic and intelligence capabilities. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of harmonizing crime and corruption strategies, focusing on community involvement, and aligning efforts across provincial and national levels.

The Minister stated government is committed to reducing crime and creating safer communities for all South Africans. This will require sustained collaboration across all sectors of society, along with ongoing dedication to addressing the root causes of crime and delivering justice effectively. The shared goal remains clear, believes the Minister, of “a secure, peaceful South Africa where all citizens can thrive without fear.”

The Democratic Alliance, in a statement, noted the improvements achieved by the SAPS, but stated the country still faces high rates of violence, with concerning increases in crimes against women and children. Annual data shows an 8.6% rise in murders of women and a staggering 33.7% rise in attempted murders of children. Further, commercial crime has surged by 18.5%, reflecting the growing prevalence of extortion.

Additionally, the DA praised the success of Operation Shanela, which led to over 260,000 arrests and significant seizures of firearms and drugs and underscores the importance of intelligence-led and high-density policing.

Provinces like Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Limpopo have made strides against illegal mining, drug manufacturing, and organized crime syndicates. However, gaps in crime intelligence, technology, and forensics remain critical obstacles noted the DA, alongside poor coordination across the criminal justice system and resource disparities among regions.

The DA further called on Minister Mchunu to acknowledge the systemic issues within SAPS management, calling for reforms to address inefficiencies and improve accountability.

The DA continues to call for the devolving of police powers to allow provinces and localized communities to address unique crime challenges more effectively. Emphasis is additionally placed on the enhancement of forensic capabilities, modernizing technology, and tackling the socio-economic drivers of crime to shift from reactive measures to prevention.

The post Crime beginning to decrease says Mchunu, but DA says more work to be done appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

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.

The post Minister of Police returns from the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The question posed by Gana further inquired on the total number of cases which the National Prosecuting Authority refused to prosecute. However, Mchunu responded that “the South African Police Service (SAPS) cannot determine the total number of cases that the National Prosecuting Authority refused to prosecute in 2023/24.”

The Minister’s reply further revealed a total of 4 153 alleged incidents of wrongful arrest were registered with SAPS, and they had received claims totalling R2 241 082 675. Mchunu noted however, that “this is not the amount that would potentially be paid to claimants.”

Gana additionally posed the question of “what total number of suspects arrested during shootouts with the SAPS have been released due to insufficient evidence in the 2013 to 2023 financial years?” Mchunu’s reply additionally revealed the painstaking process officers used to management case documents.

The Minister noted this information “is not readily available on the Case Administration System (CAS)/Investigate Case Docket Management System (ICDMS),” and a detailed analysis would need to be conducted, per station, to provide this information.

“Case dockets will have to be extracted from archives and manually perused to identify the cases that relate to this request. This will be an extremely time-consuming exercise, which, given the operational policing requirement, would not be practical, as it will divert critical resources, thereby impacting negatively on service delivery,” noted the Minister

In a statement issued in response, Gana reiterated the “need for more detectives to ensure that all credible cases reach their natural conclusion, which is to see violent criminals in prison for rehabilitation.” Further, the statement noted the closure of rape cases as an issue of great concern, particularly given the prevalence of gender-based violence committed against women.

Noting previous responses by the Minister revealing SAPS had 8 594 vacant detective posts, Gana stated that “the women and men in blue are overstretched,” and this would naturally lead to officers missing key evidence at times.

“It is therefore vital that a full complement of detectives is recruited in order to ensure that there is a full detective service that is able to ensure that heinous crimes such as rape, murder and hijacking are investigated and prosecuted,” said Gana.

The post SAPS withdraws 1 416 rape cases, with 4 153 wrongful arrests registered in 2023/24 appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The conference, themed: “Win-Win Cooperation under Significant Changes: Building a Global Community of Common Public Security”, will take place from 8 to 11 September 2024, in Lianyungang City, China.

During his visit to China, Mchunu will hold a bilateral meeting with the Chinese Minister of Public Safety, Wang Xiaohong.

“The two leaders will engage on critical issues, including the use of advanced technology in policing to enhance law enforcement capabilities. The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in tackling transnational crime, cybercrime, and the development of innovative strategies for crime prevention.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) delegation accompanying the Minister will actively participate in 13 sub-forums that address various aspects of public security governance.

“These forums will cover a range of topics, including cyber security, counterterrorism, and urban safety, providing an opportunity for the delegation to share experiences and gain insights from global counterparts,” said the police in a statement.

In addition to the conference, Minister Mchunu will visit the Public Safety and Security Technology Expo where cutting-edge advancements in public safety technology will be showcased.

The visit will allow the Minister to explore new technologies and innovations that could enhance the SAPS’ capacity to ensure public safety in South Africa.

The post Police Minister to attend global forum on public security challenges appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

“The modus operandi of the perpetrators involved in these heinous acts is well known. Most of them are individuals who do not want to work but rather choose to parade as armies of murderous parasites that must be fought and rejected by society as a whole,” Mchunu said.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday on measures taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deal with threats posed by extortion in the country, Mchunu said four provinces, namely Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, currently bear 73% of crime levels in South Africa, and the gravity of these crimes alone, including extortion, is of serious concern to the police.

“Extortion has been emerging over time and has now reached levels where all communities in our country beyond the four provinces have become very angry, bitter and agitated. The pain has gone very deep,” Mchunu said.

Mchunu said the mood expressed in communities is also reflective of statements that have been made unanimously in Parliament against these crimes.

“Somewhere in the background, the current socio-economic conditions are militating against [the] crime levels and need to be addressed urgently by the House and the Executive,” Mchunu said.

Mchunu said the perpetrators of extortion are often heavily armed, operating in groups that instill fear and chaos.

“The relative ‘silence’ of communities and low reporting is all due to these fears. Police… led by the Ministry, are hard at work fighting these crimes on a daily basis.

“[In] recent operations… suspects, identified through intelligence as extortionists, were confronted in Milnerton, Cape Town. Four suspects were fatally wounded in a shootout with police, while four were admitted in hospital with wounds.

“In the Eastern Cape, operations are underway and we are focusing on Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay on similar crimes, including illegal occupation of buildings and stock theft, among others.

“Twelve cases have been reported on the hotline and investigations are underway. We are observing signs of resistance among criminals but police will prevail. We must also mention that we see shocking incidents of the lowest morality, where church services, funerals and other family related functions get disrupted by these extortionists,” the Minister said.

Mchunu said in Gauteng, three criminals were arrested in Bronkhospruit three weeks ago in activities related to extortions.

“Soweto is also a place that has received our attention in the incidents of extortion. In Mpumalanga, three arrests were recently made in cases of extortion and fighting over turf for the same purpose.

“In the Free State, the target of extortionists include pensioners and people who receive RAF payments [Road Accident Fund]. Generally, there is more extortion going on than meets the eye. This requires more crime intelligence operations,” the Minister said.

Mchunu said government has initiated the signing of cooperative agreements with provincial and local government, with operational plans seeking to intergrade resources to fight against crime.

“Currently, the operational plan is being rolled out in Cape Town with its new six sub-districts. The model will be replicated in all metros in the country. The operational plan will include CPFs [community policing forums] and private security companies.

“The Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay have agreed on the operational plan and it is currently being rolled out, and we will be launching it soon,” Mchunu said.

Mchunu said they will be meeting the Gauteng government on Thursday on the same programme, and next will be KwaZulu-Natal on the 19th and 20th of this month.

“We are also holding a series of meetings with sister departments on collaboration against crime, as per the National Integrated Crime Prevention Strategy. This Friday, we are meeting as the JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] cluster to tighten up our act and better synergies,” he said.

The post Police hard at work to fight extortion, says Mchunu appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

In May 2024, former Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, revealed in a parliamentary reply to a question posed by the Democratic Alliance that over 5.4 million case dockets were closed, without result, due to insufficient evidence or leads since the 2018/2019 financial year.

Former DA Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield referred to the results of the reply as “another explosive admission of failure by Minister of Police, Bheki Cele. Whitfield further stated the “shocking figure highlights the utter failure of the SAPS under the leadership of Bheki Cele.”

At approximately one million cases per year, Whitfield noted that “almost 3 000 cases are closed daily by the SAPS without victims of crime ever receiving justice.” The approximate 3 000 cases closed daily include cases of murders, rape, assault and kidnappings.

Democratic Alliance Deputy Spokesperson on Police, Lisa Schickerling, noted in a statement that the current Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu had handed over a detailed breakdown of the dockets to the DA.

“The information furnished to the DA by the Minister paints a disturbing picture, particularly in light of our country’s Women’s Month celebrations, and highlights key areas of concern in both docket management and the capacity and staffing shortages in the SAPS’ detective services,” stated Schickerling.

Between the 2018/2019 period and 31 December 2023, the following total number of dockets were closed, without result, according to the Minister:

Murder: 76 655
Attempted murder: 40 089
Assault GBH: 141 026
Aggravated robbery: 256 162
Rape: 61 740
Sexual Assault: 5 523
Kidnapping: 9 114

Regarding the loss of case dockets from SAPS offices, the number is highest for dockets in cases of murder, assault GBH (grievous bodily harm), and aggravated robbery. Minister Mchunu noted 68.75% of dockets stolen from SAPS stations were open cases pertaining to rape and sexual assault. Alarmingly, all occurred in Limpopo, with Schickerling noting it “[raises] serious questions about the effectiveness of docket management within the SAPS and the maintenance of docket safety.”

The DA called upon the Minister and National Commissioner to “launch a full-scale investigation into these missing and stolen dockets.”

Schickerling further stated that “approximately 974 cases of rape and sexual assault are closed without result every month. This means that an average of about 32 victims of rape and sexual assault lose a chance at obtaining justice each and every day.”

“This is a deplorable state of affairs that requires urgent intervention from both the Minister and senior SAPS management to ensure that cases of gender-based violence and violence against women are treated with the seriousness and care that they deserve,” noted Schickerling.

The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, requesting the Minister, the National Commissioner, and the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner be brought before the Committee, to discuss the matter.

The post DA calls for SAPS to be held to account for closing millions of cases without result appeared first on ProtectionWeb.