South African Police Service

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) is the national police force of the Republic of South Africa. Its 1,154 police stations[1] in South Africa are divided according to the provincial borders, and a Provincial Commissioner is appointed in each province. The nine Provincial Commissioners report directly to the National Commissioner. The head office is in the Wachthuis Building in Pretoria.[2]

The Constitution of South Africa lays down that the South African Police Service has a responsibility to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, uphold and enforce the law, create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa, prevent anything that may threaten the safety or security of any community, investigate any crimes that threaten the safety or security of any community, ensure criminals are brought to justice and participate in efforts to address the causes of crime.[3]

Amnesty International and others have expressed serious concerns about South African police brutality, including torture and extrajudicial killings.[4][5][6]

History

Colonial years

The South African Police Service traces its origin to the Dutch Watch, a paramilitary organisation formed by settlers in the Cape Province in 1655 to protect civilians and to maintain law and order. In 1795, British officials assumed control over the Dutch Watch, and in 1825 established the Cape Constabulary (which became the Cape Town Police Force in 1840). In 1854, a police force was established in Durban which would become the Durban Borough Police, and in 1935 the Durban City Police (DCP).[7] Act 3 of 1855 established the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police Force in the Eastern Cape, restyled as the Cape Mounted Riflemen in 1878.[8]

1913-1994

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". The South African Police (SAP) was created after the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Four years later, the Mounted Riflemen's Association relinquished its civilian responsibilities to the SAP as most of its riflemen left to serve in the First World War. The SAP and the military maintained a close relationship even after the SAP assumed permanent responsibility for domestic law and order in 1926. Police officials often called on the army for support in case of emergencies. During the Second World War, one SAP brigade served with the 2nd Infantry Division of the South African Army in North Africa.

When the National Party (NP) edged out its more liberal opponents in nationwide elections in 1948, the new government enacted legislation that strengthened the relationship between the police and the military. Police subsequently became heavily armed, especially when facing unruly or hostile crowds. The Police Act (No. 7) of 1958 broadened the mission of the SAP beyond conventional police functions, and allowed police to quell civil unrest and conduct counterinsurgency operations. The Police Amendment Act (No. 70) of 1965 allowed police to detain any person, receptacle, vehicle, aircraft, or premises within one mile of any national border, and to seize anything found without a warrant. This search-and-seize zone was extended to within eight miles of any border in 1979 and to the entire country in 1983.

Post-apartheid (1994–present)

The new Minister of Safety and Security, Sydney Mufamadi, obtained police training assistance from Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and Canada and proclaimed that racial tolerance and human rights would be central to police training in the future. By the end of 1995, the SAPS had incorporated the ten police agencies of the former homelands, and had reorganised at both national and provincial level.

Script error: No such module "anchor".The Investigative Psychology Unit (IPU), also referred to as Investigative Psychology Section (IPS), was founded by forensic psychologist Micki Pistorius[9] in 1996. Elmarie Myburgh was a founding member. It was then a division of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, later being moved to the Detective Service, and from June 2008 to the Criminal Record and Forensic Science Service (CRFSS). At that time, it comprised only three members at national head office level, led by Gerard Labuschagne.[10]

Organisation

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Patrol in Stellenbosch

Template:Also South African Police Service headquarters in located in Pretoria.

Divisions

since March 2023Template:Dated maintenance category (articles)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., there were three Deputy National Commissioners, with each of these split into divisions as follows:[11]

  • Policing:
    • Visible Policing and Operations
    • Protection and Security Services
  • Crime Detection:
    • Detective and Forensic Services
    • Crime Intelligence
  • Support Services
    • Human Resource Management
    • Human Resource Development
    • Legal and Policy Services
    • Technology Management Services

Rank structure

A new ranking system of the South African Police Service was adopted in April 2010.[12] The change caused some controversy as new ranks like "general" and "colonel" have a military connotation. Furthermore, the new rank system mirrors the system used by the South African Police during the apartheid era. In 2009, Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula spoke of making the police a paramilitary force by changing the SAPS ranking system so that it would closely mirror the military ranking system. This created a significant amount of controversy from people critical of what they called the "militarisation" of the police.[13][14][15]

The ranking system was amended in 2016. The role of regional police commissioner was introduced, with the rank of lieutenant general. The major and lieutenant ranks were eliminated, with lieutenants assuming the rank of captain and majors assuming the rank of lieutenant colonel.[16][17]

Current senior staff

Script error: No such module "Hatnote". since 2024Template:Dated maintenance category (articles)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". the National Commissioner is Lt. Gen. Sehlahle Fannie Masemola,[18] who was appointed on 31 March 2022.[19][20] Leon Mbangwa is Chief of Staff.[21]

SAPS organisational profile

SAPS organisational profile (March 2023)[11]
Rank Number of officers/employees
Ministerial personnel 30
National Commissioner (General) 1
Deputy National Commissioner (Lt. Gen.) 4
Div. Commissioners/National Head/Deputy Nat. Head, other top management (Lt. Gen.) 12
Provincial Commissioners (Lt. Gen.) 9
Major General 156
Brigadier 623
Colonel 2,417
Lieutenant Colonel 5,975
Captain 12,155
Non-commissioned officers 123,896
Public Service Act employees 34,226
Total employees 179,502
Police ranks of South Africa: Commissioned Officers
Group Senior Management
Rank General (Gen) Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Major General (Maj Gen) Brigadier
Role Designation of
National Commissioner 		Actg. National Commissioner,
Deputy National Commissioner,
Regional Commissioner,
Provincial Commissioner,
Divisional Commissioner
Insignia File:SouthAfrica-Police-OF-9.svg File:SouthAfrica-Police-OF-8.svg File:SouthAfrica-Police-OF-7.svg File:SouthAfrica-Police-OF-6.svg
Police ranks of South Africa: Commissioned Officers
Group Junior Management
Rank Colonel (Col) Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Captain
Insignia File:SouthAfrica-Police-OF-5.svg File:SouthAfrica-Police-OF-4.svg File:SouthAfrica-Police-OF-2.svg
Police ranks of South Africa : Non-commissioned Officers
Group Other Ranks
Rank Warrant Officer (WO) Sergeant (Sgt) Constable (Const)
Insignia File:SouthAfrice-Police-Warrant Officer.svg File:SouthAfrice-Police-Sergeant.svg File:SouthAfrice-Police-Constable.svg

Resources

Vehicles

Through the early-1990s, the police were equipped with smoke and tear-gas dispensing vehicles, tank trucks with water cannons, vehicles that dispensed barbed wire or razor wire to cordon off areas, and a number of rotor and fixed wing aircraft for surveillance, ground force management, rapid deployment of Task Force and specialist teams to crime scenes and VIP personnel movements. The RG-12 'Nyala' is on the most commonly used armoured vehicle of the service. The Casspir Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle is another notable vehicle used by the police.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Aviation

since October 2023Template:Dated maintenance category (articles)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., with the arrival of a new helicopter, the SAPS Air Wing operates a fleet of 34 aeroplanes and helicopters. The Air Wing has about 50 pilots and 300 other personnel.[23]

Fleet

The SAPS Air Wing fleet consists of:[24]

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Firearms

File:South african police may 2010.jpg
Officers with Vektor R5 rifles in Johannesburg, 2010

South African Police Service officers generally carry a Vektor Z88 9mm pistol and pepper spray. Each patrol car is usually also equipped a R5 rifle. To quell disturbances a variety of firearms are used, including BXP sub-machine gun, Musler 12 gauge shotgun (capable of firing anti-riot rubber bullets contained in standard 12 bore shotgun cartridges), as well as tear gas and pencil flares. The R1 rifle has been withdrawn from all front-line police armories since the mid-1990s, but is still used by elements of the Special Task Force.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Criticism and controversies

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Public trust in the South African Police Service between 1998 and 2021. The Marikana Massacre (2012) and Zuma Riots (2021) are highlighted.[26]

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Administration

Since the departure of democratic South Africa's first National commissioner George Fivaz in January 2000, a number of successive commissioners have been unable to complete a single term in office, most implicated in and charged with misconduct.[27][28]

The distribution of personnel has been controversial, with local legislators questioning why areas most in need of policing resources are being neglected.[29] The department was criticised by the Western Cape Government for providing the lowest number personnel (adjusted for population) with a shortage of 2,392 officers,[30] despite having the highest murder rate.[31][32] This was the subject of the Khayelitsha Commission in 2012.

Brutality and repressionScript error: No such module "anchor".

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Amnesty International has expressed concerns about police brutality, including torture and extrajudicial killings, in South Africa.[33][34][35][36][37][38] There has also been concern about brutal training methods for the police.[39] According to Peter Jordi from the Wits Law Clinic "[Police] Torture is spiralling out of control. It is happening everywhere."[40] Brandon Edmonds argues that "The cops prey on the poor in this country."[41] Independent studies have confirmed that the SAPS has been used to repress peaceful marches.[42] In April 2009, SAPS attempted to ban unFreedom Day[43] and was implicated in support for September 2009 ANC mob that attacked the elected leadership of the shack settlement at Kennedy Road, Durban.[44][45][46] Police officers have also been accused of excessive policing in Blikkiesdorp in Delft, Cape Town, by suppression of freedom and ordering illegal curfews.[47][48][49]

In 2011, 630 police officers from Gauteng Province were arrested for fraud and corruption, rape and murder.[50] An April 2012 editorial in The Times opined: "It seems torture and outright violation of human rights is becoming the order of the day for some of our police officers and experts warn that the line between criminals and our law enforcement officers is "blurred"."[51]

In February 2013, police in Daveyton, Gauteng were caught on video brutalising Mido Macia, a Mozambican taxi driver accused of parking illegally. Macia was handcuffed to a police van and dragged through the streets, later succumbing to his injuries.[52] Eight police officers were arrested and later convicted of murder.[53]

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Marikana massacre

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". The Marikana Massacre,[54] was a mass shooting that occurred when police broke up a gathering by striking Lonmin workers on a 'koppie' (hilltop) near the Nkaneng shack settlement in Marikana on 16 August 2012. 34 miners were killed and 78 miners injured, causing anger and public outcry, fueled by reports that most of the victims were shot from behind[55] and many shot far from police lines.[56] It later emerged that the violence had actually started on 11 August when leaders from the National Union of Mineworkers opened fire on striking NUM members killing two.[57] It is alleged that police did nothing in the aftermath thereby creating a situation in which workers felt that they would have to use other means to protect themselves.[58] Between 12 and 14 August, approximately 8 more people were killed including two policemen and two security guards.[59] It is the country's deadliest incident between police and the civilian population since the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, and has been referred to as a turning-point in post-1994 South Africa.[60][61][62]

Corruption

On 10 September 2007 an arrest warrant was issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi (Interpol president from 2004 to 2008). On 23 September 2007, President Mbeki suspended NPA Head Vusi Pikoli, allegedly because of "an irretrievable breakdown" in the relationship between Pikoli and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla. However, journalists at the Mail and Guardian claim to have solid information supporting the widespread suspicion that President Mbeki suspended Pikoli as part of a bid to shield Police Commissioner Selebi.[63] According to the Mail and Guardian on 5 October 2007 the NPA was investigating Selebi for corruption, fraud, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice.[63] Selebi was found guilty of corruption in July 2010, but not guilty of further charges of perverting the course of justice.[64]

In February 2011 Bheki Cele was implicated in unlawful conduct and maladministration with a R500m lease agreement for the new police headquarters in Pretoria.[65] In October 2011, President Jacob Zuma announced that Cele had been suspended pending an investigation into the agreement.[66] After recommendation from a board of inquiry, Zuma dismissed Cele and announced that Riah Phiyega, the first female commissioner, would replace him.[67]

In February 2018, SAPS Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, who was also former acting SAPS Commissioner, and his wife appeared in court on charges of fraud and corruption.[68][69][70] On 30 July 2020, Phahlane was dismissed from the police after three years on suspension.[71] The same day, he was found guilty of dishonest conduct.[71]

On 12 July 2019, it was announced the five North West Province police officers were arrested during the week in three separate corruption cases.[72] On 4 June 2020, six senior Gauteng police officers where among 14 people arrested on corruption charges.[73] Two other senior officers, now retired, were arrested as well.[74] Among the Guateng-based SAPS officers charged with corruption included three brigadiers and a retired SAPS Lieutenant General.[74]

On 12 October 2020, Lieutenant-General Bonang Mgwenya, the country's second-most senior police official, was arrested on charges of corruption, fraud, theft and money laundering involving about R200-million and afterwards appeared in Ridge Magistrates court.[75] At the time of Mgwenya's arrest, she and Phahlane were among 14 fellow officers who were charged with corruption.[75] Mgwenya was suspended on 15 October 2020 and was dismissed from SAPS on 13 November 2020.[76]

On 23 December 2020, four Cape Town police officers attached to the national border control unit at Cape Town International Airport were arrested for extorting money from Chinese businesses.[77]

On 23 December 2020, Peter Ntsime, Acting Deputy General Secretary of the South African Policing Union (SAPU), reported that Colonel Kamelash Dalip Singh, a senior SAPU policeman from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, was arrested, and then released on bail, on a bribe charge. Ntsime criticised the arrest, stating Singh was at the forefront of arresting crooked police officers and was onto a big syndicate. Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson, Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, said that undercover Hawks officers caught Singh red-handed accepting a R5,000 bribe.[78]

On 28 December 2020, three law enforcement officers who were employed by the Emalahleni Municipality were arrested in Mpumalanga on corruption and bribery charges which involved allegations of not issuing standard fines to motorists who committed traffic violations, but instead extorting them for bribes.[79]

In 2022, two criminal charges were lodged by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate against the National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole for refusing to cooperate with its investigation into the murder of Charl Kinnear. Kinnear was a police intelligence officer investigating organised crime within the SAPS.[80]

On 6 July 2025, KwaZulu Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi became a whistleblower against high-ranking police officials and politicians, including Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and members of the judiciary. He accused them of aiding criminal syndicates, involving themselves in investigations and obstructing justice.[81][82][83]

On 13 July 2025, the President of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa placed Senzo Mchunu on special leave.[84]Deputy national commissioner is challenging the "unlawful" suspension against him.[85]

List of former National Commissioners

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Battle honours

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Police units earned battle honours in both world wars and in border wars with Rhodesia.

First World War

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Second World War

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Other

Template:BattleHonour

Notes

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References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ "Contact Us ." South African Police Service. Retrieved on 21 November 2017. "SAPS Head Office Wachthuis Building 231 Pretorius Street Pretoria[...] GPS Coordinates: S25.74790 E28.18901"
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ No end in sight for police brutality in South Africa, Justice Malala, The Guardian, 21 February 2013
  5. ↑ Footsoliders in a social war: the police, crime and inequality in South Africa CHRISTOPHER MCMICHAEL, Open Democracy, 25 October 2013
  6. ↑ Amnesty International South Africa Report, 2012
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ The professor and the police minister. Paul Trewhela, 25 October 2009
  14. ↑ Asmal: Militarisation of police is "craziness" Mail & Guardian, 19 October 2009
  15. ↑ Green Zone Nation: The South African government’s new growth path, Open Democracy, 19 March 2012
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Amnesty red flag police brutality, Craig Dodds, 13 May 2011
  34. ↑ Amnesty International South Africa Report 2011
  35. ↑ See for instance this statement by Abahlali baseMjondolo
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ 'Predator police' in reign of terror GRAEME HOSKEN, The Times, 30 April 2012
  41. ↑ The New Toyi Toyi, Brandon Edmonds, Mahala, 12 May 2012
  42. ↑ See, for instance, a report on illegal police repression in South Africa by the Freedom of Expression InstituteTemplate:Category handler[<span title="Script error: No such module "string".">usurped]Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. ↑ Global Post, South Africa troubled by corrupt cops, 10 May 2012
  51. ↑ If the police are no better than thugs, who will save us?, Editorial, The Times, 30 April 2012
  52. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  53. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  54. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  55. ↑ Striking South African miners 'were shot in the back', The Daily Telegraph, 27 August 2012
  56. ↑ The murder fields of Marikana: the cold murder fields of Marikana, by Greg Marinovich, The Daily Maverick, 8 September 2012
  57. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  58. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  59. ↑ Marikana inquiry updates 23 October 2012, Times Live, 23 October 2012
  60. ↑ The South African Police Service and the Public Order War, by Chris McMichael, Think Africa Press, 3 September 2012
  61. ↑ The Marikana Massacre: A turning point for South Africa, by Nigel Gibson, Truthout, 2 September 2012
  62. ↑ South Africa: Marikana is a turning point, by William Gumede, The Guardian, 29 August 2012
  63. ↑ a b The desperate bid to shield Selebi
  64. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  65. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  66. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  67. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  68. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  69. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  70. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  71. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  72. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  73. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  74. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  75. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  76. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  77. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  78. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  79. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  80. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  81. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  82. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  83. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  84. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  85. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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See also

External links

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Template:SA Government departments Template:Law enforcement in South Africa Template:Country topics Script error: No such module "Navbox". Script error: No such module "Navbox". Template:PoliceTemplate:Border protection agenciesTemplate:Authority control

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