south african police service police legitimacy crisis

Fraying Trust: The South African Police Service and a Crisis of Legitimacy

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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.

saps crime prevention

Challenges and Urgency: A Critical Examination of SAPS in 2023/24

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) is facing serious problems in 2023/24, struggling to meet goals and respond quickly to emergencies. They achieved only 8 out of 18 targets, and many calls to their emergency line go unanswered, creating a sense of lost trust. The number of detectives has dropped sharply, leading to fewer crime investigations and arrests. Without immediate changes, public safety and confidence in the police will continue to suffer, highlighting the need for urgent action to fix these issues.