The South African Police Service (SAPS) spent an eye-watering R3.87 million on salaries for 40 suspended officers, many of whom have been on leave for over two years.
Following a parliamentary question posed to National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, by Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Ian Cameron, it has been revealed that these officers, whose ranks range from constables to lieutenant-generals, have been suspended for a wide array of serious allegations.
Two lieutenant-generals, the highest-ranking officers, are accused of severe misconduct, related to legislative non-compliance, procurement irregularities, and misuse of funds.
A lieutenant-colonel is facing theft charges, while three captains are implicated in sexual assault, theft, and other misconduct.
Additionally, four warrant officers are accused of crimes such as murder, fraud, corruption, and assault, 17 sergeants were also found to be involved in various charges including corruption, murder, defeating the ends of justice, extortion, and assault.
11 constables are accused of serious crimes including murder, kidnapping, corruption, attempted murder, and theft of a motor vehicle, while two administrative clerks were suspended for corruption.
Cameron took to X, previously known as Twitter to share the SAPS response and expressed his views to the findings.
“The nearly R4 million spent on suspended officers’ salaries could have funded the hiring and training of dozens of new police recruits, provided essential equipment for frontline officers, or supported anti-corruption initiatives.
"The disciplinary delays mean millions of rands are drained annually from taxpayers’ money — funds that should have been used to protect and serve the people of South Africa.”
Cameron called the expenditure a “waste.”
“This waste is especially egregious when some officers have been suspended for over two years.
“These delays are symptomatic of deeper issues within SAPS—an inability to swiftly and effectively address corruption, misconduct, and accountability. Every day of delay not only costs taxpayers money but further erodes public trust in our law enforcement agencies.”
He called on the SAPS leadership to recognize the presence of corrupt or criminal elements within its ranks and said it is an existential threat to the service’s credibility and effectiveness.
“Senior officers implicated in corruption or misconduct cannot be shielded indefinitely. Rogue officers must be booted out — not rewarded with taxpayer-funded salaries while cases drag on endlessly.”
Cameron has called on the Minister of Police to act decisively and expedite disciplinary cases, particularly those involving senior officers accused of corruption.
He also asked to implement reforms to ensure swift and fair disciplinary processes and reassure the public that taxpayer money will no longer be wasted on individuals who fail to uphold the values of the service.
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) National Spokesperson Richard Mamabolo, agreed with Cameron, stating that the payment of people who are in fact on suspension and not carrying out their duties is wasteful, but said the expenditure cannot be blamed on the individuals identified.
“Suspension does not interpret into the accused not receiving their salaries, however, the challenge should be placed on the management's inadequacies in concluding the outcomes of charges levelled.
“This again should not be interpreted to mean that the management must implement expeditious processes where standardized disciplinary processes are flouted just to get rid of members without following all procedures.”
Francina Lukas, Chairperson of the Western Cape Community Policing Forum (CPF), echoed these concerns and emphasized the impact on public trust and community safety.
“While we respect the rights of officers to fair labour practices, the extended suspension of officers not only burdens the public purse but also undermines public confidence in the effectiveness of policing services,” Lukas said.
She called for improved efficiency in SAPS disciplinary processes to balance accountability with fiscal responsibility.