Mchunu shakes up SAPS: New crime-fighting units, corrupt cops axed

Political Killings Task Team

Pretoria — Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced sweeping structural changes to the South African Police Service (SAPS), including the creation of new divisions and a crackdown on corruption, in a bid to improve policing and restore public trust.

Speaking during a media briefing at the SAPS Academy in Pretoria on Friday, Mchunu said the changes are aimed at realigning the police force with the priorities of the seventh administration, with a strong emphasis on visible policing, intelligence-led investigations, and officer morale.

“People need to feel and be safe. The changes being effected are to achieve exactly that,” said Mchunu.

Structural overhaul to strengthen frontline policing

One of the major changes is the restructuring of the Visible Policing division, which will now be split into two separate entities:

  • Visible Policing Division: Focused on frontline service delivery and patrol visibility.

  • Operational Response Services Division: Responsible for specialised operations, border protection, and national security. The appointment of a Divisional Commissioner for this new unit is at an advanced stage.

In addition, the current Detective and Forensic Services division will also be split into two standalone units:

  • Detective Services, and

  • Forensic Services

Mchunu said these changes are designed to ensure clearer mandates, better accountability, and improved crime response. “These structural changes are not just about form—they are about function,” he said.

Focus on crime intelligence, technology and morale

The minister also highlighted a renewed focus on “critical enablers” to combat crime. These include enhancing crime intelligence, expanding forensic services, improving fleet and infrastructure management, and investing in officer welfare.

Technological innovation is central to this shift, with the piloting of fully automated police stations in several provinces and improved integration of policing technology, done in partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa.

“The adoption and improvement of technology to enhance our ability to detect, respond, and analyse crime is key,” Mchunu said.

Corruption crackdown and promotion reforms

Mchunu revealed that 392 police officers were dismissed in the last financial year for corruption, warning that unethical behaviour would not be tolerated.

“There is no tolerance for corruption within the SAPS and we repeat it today,” he said, citing a recent court case where three KwaZulu-Natal officers were convicted of soliciting bribes.

To boost officer morale, Mchunu said SAPS is developing a promotion system that recognises both vertical and horizontal growth, and is working to clear the existing backlog in promotions.

Community and cross-sector partnerships

The SAPS is also strengthening partnerships with municipalities, businesses, and international bodies. Mchunu noted the success of a pilot project in Grassy Park, Cape Town, in collaboration with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, where a dedicated legal expert is embedded at a police station to support investigations.

Warning to taxi industry

Amid escalating taxi violence, Mchunu issued a stern warning to the taxi industry and rogue officers who entangle themselves in its affairs.

“We want to send a warning to the taxi industry, against their industry being sustained through blood and non-compliance,” he said. “We also want to warn police against entangling themselves in taxi affairs as it compromises them – and through them, law enforcement.”

A “moment of renewal”

The minister described the transformation drive as a “moment of renewal” for the SAPS.

“We are under no illusion about the scale of the challenge,” said Mchunu. “But we are equally clear about our resolve: we are committed to transforming and improving policing in South Africa.”

The announcement comes less than a year after the new administration took office, and follows an April National Policing Summit that laid the groundwork for the reforms.

The changes, Mchunu said, are being implemented in full consultation with SAPS management and labour unions, with the aim of delivering a police service that is “efficient, proactive, and trusted by the public.”

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