SAPS shame exposed! – 14 000+ cases gather dust as victims wait for justice

Cape Town – The Portfolio Committee on Police has expressed serious concern over the growing case backlog at the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), warning that the delays are contributing to a lack of accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The committee, chaired by Mr Ian Cameron, met with IPID and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) on Thursday to review their revised annual performance and strategic plans.

According to the committee, IPID is carrying over a backlog of 14,469 cases into the current financial year.

“IPID plays a critical role in ensuring accountability from SAPS, and the backlog directly undermines this drive,” Cameron said.

“Victims of police abuse of authority remain without recourse.”

Increasing number of complaints

While the committee welcomed the R126.3 million in additional funding allocated to IPID over the medium term, it stressed that financial support alone is not enough without a concrete plan to overcome systemic issues. It raised particular concern over the persistently high case-to-investigator ratio.

IPID’s staff is expected to grow only modestly from 387 employees in 2025/26 to 421 by 2027/28 — a figure the committee says is inadequate given the increasing number of complaints.

In an effort to address inefficiencies, IPID plans to roll out a digital case management system to improve tracking and communication with complainants. The committee said the system must be implemented effectively to have any impact on the case backlog.

The committee also welcomed the establishment of several new internal structures at IPID, including forensic services, quality assurance, research, and internal investigation units. These units are expected to strengthen the directorate’s ability to handle complex corruption cases.

‘No place for rogue police officers’

However, the committee criticised SAPS for failing to implement many of IPID’s recommendations.

“This phenomenon erodes the effectiveness of IPID and its mandate,” Cameron said, adding that stronger monitoring of SAPS’s response to IPID findings is urgently needed.

On the broader issue of police conduct, the committee supported Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s call for improved behaviour among officers.

“There is no place in SAPS for rogue police officers who engage in criminal activity,” Cameron said.

“SAPS members must always be fit and proper for the service they must render to the people.”

In its meeting with PSiRA, the committee acknowledged plans to digitise user interactions, including the verification of private security officers’ training. It also welcomed efforts to expand PSiRA’s footprint in under-served provinces such as Limpopo, Northern Cape, and North West, and to intensify monitoring operations to ensure private security firms are legally registered and compliant.

The committee reiterated its belief that the private security industry is a key player in fighting crime and must be adequately regulated and supported.