By Nkosana Khumalo
The Portfolio Committee on Police has recommended that senior members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) undergo skills and lifestyle audits. This call aims to foster a “fit-for-purpose” leadership within SAPS that aligns with the evolving demands of South Africa’s policing and public safety needs.
Article:
The Portfolio Committee on Police, chaired by Ian Cameron, has taken a firm stance on the need for greater accountability within SAPS, particularly among its senior management. Following the release of its Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR), the committee stressed that lifestyle and skills audits are necessary to address leadership gaps and ensure ethical conduct. According to Cameron, SAPS has become “top-heavy,” and an overhaul in leadership capability is essential to foster an environment that actively combats crime and builds public trust. He added that without skilled, competent leadership, SAPS cannot achieve its strategic objectives effectively.
The BRRR, a pivotal element of Parliament’s fiscal oversight, allows the committee to review SAPS’ performance and recommend improvements. In this year’s report, concerns were raised about systemic issues within SAPS, including a lack of transparency and inefficiencies that could hinder the institution’s crime-fighting efforts. The committee has been increasingly vocal about enhancing public trust in SAPS, noting that issues like “discipline management” and resource allocation have consistently affected service delivery  .
Addressing Corruption and Accountability
The committee’s call for lifestyle audits aligns with ongoing efforts to root out corruption within SAPS. Cameron noted that audits could reveal potential conflicts of interest and discrepancies in the financial affairs of senior officials. This recommendation reflects a broader strategy to curb corruption, following previous incidents involving senior police officials accused of misconduct. By ensuring that senior SAPS members demonstrate ethical behavior, the committee hopes to restore public confidence in the institution and uphold accountability within SAPS management .
Reducing Civil Claims and Improving Accountability
A significant area of concern for the committee is the high volume of civil claims against SAPS, which amounts to billions of rands annually. Cameron highlighted that these claims, many resulting from alleged misconduct by officers, pose a financial burden on SAPS and the public. He recommended measures to mitigate these claims, including enhanced training and stricter guidelines on the use of force. Additionally, Cameron suggested that SAPS should implement body cameras as a technological intervention to reduce civil claims, providing a more transparent mechanism for evaluating officer conduct during public interactions  .
Reinforcing Discipline and Firearm Management
The committee has also recommended a more robust approach to internal discipline, emphasizing that stronger consequences are needed when officers lose or mismanage firearms. Given recent statistics on missing or stolen SAPS-owned firearms, Cameron stressed that such losses contribute to the proliferation of illegal weapons and impact public safety. The committee believes that implementing consistent disciplinary measures will deter negligence and reinforce a culture of responsibility within SAPS  .
Focusing on Crime Intelligence and Resource Allocation
To combat rising crime, the committee argued that SAPS should invest more in its Crime Intelligence Division. Effective intelligence gathering is seen as crucial for preempting criminal activity and addressing high-risk areas. The committee underscored that adequate resources and training are fundamental to achieving meaningful results in crime prevention. The chairperson emphasized that restoring public safety is a collective responsibility and that SAPS must actively work to improve resource allocation to under-resourced regions facing high crime rates .
Supporting Officers’ Mental Wellbeing
In response to reports of mental health challenges among SAPS members, the committee has urged SAPS to expand wellness support for officers. With police officers often exposed to traumatic situations, there is a growing need for mental health resources within SAPS. Recent cases of police suicides have highlighted the consequences of inadequate support, and the committee is advocating for comprehensive wellness programs to address these challenges. Cameron noted that ensuring the mental resilience of officers is essential to their ability to serve effectively  .
Looking Forward: Building Public Confidence
In its closing remarks, the committee emphasized the importance of SAPS as a credible institution for public safety. For SAPS to fulfill its mandate effectively, the committee argued that it must rebuild trust within communities and commit to operational transparency. Cameron stated that the committee will continue to oversee SAPS’ performance, viewing its role as a critical barrier against crime. Through lifestyle audits, improved training, and stricter disciplinary frameworks, the committee hopes to lay the foundation for a more accountable and responsive SAPS.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
_______________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate