Concerns over the politicisation of South Africa’s policing leadership have resurfaced, with Aidan David, chairperson of the eThekwini District Policing Board, criticising the appointment of “unqualified politicians” to key safety and security roles. His comments follow Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s address in Pretoria on Friday, where he outlined human resource and structural changes aimed at bolstering the South African Police Service (SAPS).
David expressed frustration over what he described as repeated political platitudes without meaningful community engagement or merit-based decision-making. “All these speeches have become generic jargon from the past,” he said. “Politicians, who unfortunately hold the power to make these decisions, neither possess the expertise nor consult Community Policing Forums.”
His comments come amid ongoing structural changes to SAPS, announced by Mchunu during the ministry’s orientation with SAPS top management. The session included an assessment of the department’s organogram and various crime-fighting programmes. Mchunu admitted that while crime statistics show a slight decline, public sentiment reflects a country still deeply troubled by violent crime, including murder, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking.
Key reforms announced by the Minister include:
- Dividing the Visible Policing Division into two entities: Visible Policing and Operational Response Services.
- Splitting Detective and Forensic Services into distinct units.
- Prioritising the strengthening of crime intelligence, technological upgrades, and improved infrastructure.
- Addressing SAPS’ longstanding promotion backlog.
Mchunu also highlighted a successful pilot project at Grassy Park Police Station in the Western Cape, conducted in partnership with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime. The initiative, which includes an on-site legal expert to assist in case development and legal support, has delivered encouraging results and may be rolled out nationally.
The Minister confirmed that 392 SAPS members were dismissed for corruption in the previous financial year, a figure that has reportedly declined in the current cycle. “We note with concern that there are members of the SAPS who persist in engaging in corrupt activities,” he stated.
But David remains sceptical, arguing that until qualified, community-rooted professionals are appointed to leadership roles instead of politically connected individuals, real progress in reducing crime will remain elusive. He also raised concerns about the promotion process within SAPS, which he claims is driven by political affiliation rather than merit.
SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola assured the public that the force remains committed to safety and crime prevention. Over the past three years, more than 30,000 new officers have been deployed, with additional detectives being assigned to the 30 police stations experiencing the highest rates of violent crime, including gender-based violence, murder, and assault.
Despite these efforts, critics like David argue that without structural political reform and genuine community involvement, the country’s policing system will continue to struggle under the weight of crime and public distrust.