Restoring faith: addressing the crisis in the South African Police Service

THE transformation of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was predicated on the aspiration to reshape the policing paradigm in alignment with its new identity as a service-oriented institution. At its inception, a segment of the South African populace extended their support to the SAPS, seeking a reformed policing approach consistent with the Bill of Rights enshrined in the national constitution.

However, over time, trust in the SAPS has diminished, primarily due to inadequacies in addressing critical crime-related issues, which have often been handled ineffectively or unsatisfactorily.

The discourse surrounding service delivery within SAPS has increasingly infiltrated community conversations. In regions where service delivery is perceived as satisfactory, there exists a collaborative synergy between communities and SAPS, reflecting the principles of community partnership. Conversely, in areas plagued by high rates of crime and criminal behaviour, residents and discontented business owners have begun to lose faith in SAPS’s capacity to fulfil its constitutional mandate of ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

This erosion of trust highlights the challenges faced by SAPS in meeting its obligations and underscores the need for ongoing evaluation and reform within the policing framework. The transformation of the SAPS represents a significant shift in the approach to policing within the country, grounded in the aspiration to create a service-oriented law enforcement agency.

This transformation was envisioned as a means to align policing practices with democratic principles, specifically those articulated in the Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution. Upon its inception, a considerable portion of the South African population expressed optimism for this reformed police service, perceiving it as an opportunity for the SAPS to contribute positively to societal safety and justice.

However, as time has progressed, public trust in the SAPS has considerably eroded. This decline can be attributed to a range of factors, notably the persistent inadequacies in addressing crime-related issues. Many incidents of violent crime, corruption, and misconduct have been reported, wherein the responses from SAPS have often been perceived as ineffective or lacking accountability. Such failures have fostered a growing disillusionment among citizens who had initially supported the reformed mandate of the service.

Service delivery by the SAPS has become a prevalent topic of discussion within households and communities across various regions. In neighbourhoods where residents experience a satisfactory level of service delivery, a sense of collaboration emerges between the community and the police. This partnership is often manifested through community policing initiatives that emphasise proactive engagement, crime prevention strategies, and mutual accountability.

In these instances, positive relationships can lead to increased trust and a more cooperative environment, fostering a sense of safety and security. In stark contrast, in areas characterised by high crime rates and pervasive criminality, residents and local business owners express significant dissatisfaction with the SAPS.

As crime continues to disrupt their daily lives and unaddressed issues escalate, the erosion of trust becomes pronounced. Community members often report feelings of vulnerability and frustration, leading to a widespread belief that SAPS is failing to uphold its fundamental constitutional mandate of safeguarding citizens. This growing disconnect has the potential to create a cycle of mistrust, where communities become increasingly disengaged from collaborative efforts with law enforcement, thereby exacerbating the challenges faced by the SAPS.

The South African policing system is currently grappling with a profound legitimacy crisis, a reality starkly highlighted by a recent survey reported by IOL on July 15, 2025.

This survey reveals that a mere 22% of South Africans express confidence in the SAPS, a statistic that starkly underscores the growing chasm of trust between the public and the institutions sworn to safeguard their well-being. Such disillusionment is not unexpected, particularly in light of persistent allegations of corruption, inadequate service delivery and an alarming inability to respond effectively to the surge in criminal activities.

For a significant portion of the population, their interactions with law enforcement are often characterised by feelings of frustration, fear or even neglect rather than the intended sense of protection. This pervasive sentiment necessitates a critical re-evaluation of the SAPS.

Rooting out corruption and rebuilding ethical foundations in the SAPS

In recent years, the SAPS has faced mounting scrutiny over its integrity and operational efficacy. The pervasive issue of internal corruption has eroded public trust which has positioned SAPS not as a protector but as a source of mistrust within local communities in South Africa. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering accountability and ethical conduct among police officers.

One promising solution is the establishment of a Special Anti-Corruption Police Tribunal specifically designed to expedite the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases involving SAPS personnel. This tribunal would operate independently, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the integrity of the criminal justice processes when it comes to police misconduct. Additionally, the launch of a "Clean Badge" campaign could encourage officers to voluntarily commit to integrity pledges with external panels carrying out rigorous vetting processes.

Such measures not only promote a culture of accountability but also empower officers who are dedicated to upholding ethical standards. Equally essential is the introduction of a comprehensive whistleblower protection and reward program within SAPS. By safeguarding those who report corruption or unethical behaviour, the police service can create an environment where integrity is valued and encouraged rather than overlooked.

Modernising policing infrastructure and digital systems

Beyond ethical issues, SAPS grapples with significant operational challenges stemming from resource shortages and outdated technology. The introduction of a robust digital transformation strategy is critical in addressing these challenges. Allocating budget resources towards modern technologies such as e-dockets, predictive policing software and integrated CCTV systems can significantly enhance operational efficiency.

To further streamline operations, non-core functions including fleet maintenance, IT infrastructure and call centre operations should be outsourced to reputable service providers. This strategy not only enhances efficiency but also mitigates risks associated with mismanagement of resources. A centralised SAPS performance dashboard should be made accessible to the public which could enhance transparency by displaying critical metrics such as arrest/conviction rates and response times, thus holding the police accountable to the communities they serve.

Rebuilding community-police relations through participatory policing

A critical challenge facing SAPS is the perception that it operates as an occupying force rather than as a community partner. Strengthening community-police relations is paramount for restoring public confidence. Initiatives such as the introduction of Community Safety Councils in each municipality can foster collaboration between SAPS, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), local NGOs and school safety representatives.

These councils should have the authority to co-design local safety plans by ensuring that community voices are heard and integrated into policing strategies. Expanding community constable programs by recruiting vetted youth from local populations coupled with training in human rights, conflict resolution and crime prevention can foster trust and cooperation between the police and the communities. Furthermore, implementing financial incentives for officers dedicated to long-term service in high-crime areas can foster stability and foster healthier community relationships. 

Concluding remarks

The erosion of public confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS) transcends the realm of policing as it represents a profound national crisis that threatens the foundational pillars of safety, justice and the rule of law.

A mere 22% of the population expresses trust in the police which indicates that over three-quarters of South Africans feel vulnerable and marginalised. This disconcerting reality is not just a challenge but a crisis that demands urgent attention. Restoring faith in SAPS necessitates far more than changes such as new uniforms or catchy slogans, it calls for a bold vision characterised by transformative leadership and substantial structural reforms. It is imperative to recommit to principles of ethical, community-oriented policing which places the public at the heart of law enforcement efforts.

Professor Nirmala Gopal is an academic leader: School of Applied Human Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

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