SAPS Pays R1.6B for Wrongful Arrests and Assault Claims

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has paid a staggering R1.67 billion over the past four financial years to settle claims related to wrongful arrests and assaults in police custody. This figure was revealed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in response to parliamentary questions.

According to the data provided, there were 17,216 payouts for wrongful arrests and detentions, as well as 346 payouts for assaults during police custody between 2020 and 2024. The total payout value rose significantly from R244.19 million in 2020/21 to R558.06 million in 2022/23, marking a 128% increase before slightly decreasing in 2023/24.

The breakdown of the payouts for each financial year is as follows:

• 2020/21: R244.19 million for 3,303 wrongful arrests, R4.89 million for 74 assaults
• 2021/22: R357.52 million for 3,830 wrongful arrests, R11.30 million for 65 assaults
• 2022/23: R558.06 million for 4,550 wrongful arrests, R16.31 million for 82 assaults
• 2023/24: R506.95 million for 5,533 wrongful arrests, R15.63 million for 125 assaults

In total, the payouts have amounted to R1,666,712,280.01 over four years.

Minister Mchunu’s report also indicated that the SAPS received 52,032 claims during this period, settling 18,078 of them.

During a parliamentary session in September, MP Makashule Gana raised concerns about the damaging impact of wrongful arrests on public trust in the police. Gana urged the Portfolio Committee to take action and hold SAPS accountable, stressing the need for police officers to perform their duties without prejudice.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), established in 2011, continues to monitor and investigate cases of police misconduct. Minister Mchunu emphasized that IPID plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability within SAPS.

Despite these efforts, police brutality remains a persistent issue in South Africa. According to Safer Spaces, an organization focused on police misconduct, the culture of brutality has been inherited from the past and continues due to a lack of accountability for officers’ actions.

Research from SAPS experts Dr. John Motsamai Modise and Dr. Philly Masogo has identified police brutality, corruption, and inefficiency as ongoing challenges that erode public trust in the police. They have called for stronger accountability leadership within SAPS to address these problems and restore public confidence.