The South African Police Service (SAPS) struggles with deep public mistrust because of its dark past in apartheid, ongoing corruption, and harsh treatment of citizens. Many people feel unsafe and ignored, with only about 22% trusting the police today. Despite official ceremonies and promises of reform, everyday life shows a different story—where police often fail to protect or respect communities. This broken trust leaves neighborhoods relying on themselves, hoping for a kinder, fairer police force in the future.
