The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has reported a total of 5,259 cases of police misconduct in the 2025/26 period. Of these, 332 cases were linked to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). According to Ipid, the main drivers of these cases were assault and torture, with 3,468 cases registered. The directorate also reported 669 cases of the discharge of an official firearm and 464 cases of death due to police action.
The Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape emerged as hotspot provinces for police misconduct, with 905, 898, 722, and 717 cases, respectively. Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping provided a breakdown of the GBVF cases, stating that 122 cases were referrals, mainly related to domestic violence. Additionally, 116 cases involved acts of rape by a police officer, 58 involved assault and torture, 24 involved murders, and 10 involved the discharge of an official firearm.
KwaZulu-Natal registered the most GBVF cases, with 60 reported incidents, followed by Gauteng with 58 cases, the Free State with 52 cases, and the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape with 27 cases each. The top six police stations leading in GBVF cases were Kimberley in the Northern Cape and Marianhill in KwaZulu-Natal, with seven cases each. Madadeni in KwaZulu-Natal had six cases, while Phoenix in KwaZulu-Natal, Humewood in the Eastern Cape, and Welkom in the Free State each had five cases.
Ipid also reported an increase in cases of rape by police officers, with 116 cases registered in 2025/26, compared to 95 cases in 2024/2025. Of the 116 rape cases, 44 were committed by off-duty police officers, while 72 were committed by on-duty officers. This represents a significant increase in reported cases of rape by police officers.
In terms of convictions, Ipid secured 84 criminal convictions in the year under review, representing a nearly 50% increase from the previous year, when 43 convictions were secured. The sentences ranged from a few months to life imprisonment. Notably, 26 of the convictions secured were related to GBVF cases.
Ipid also reported that 281 arrests were conducted in the year under review for various crimes. By March 31, 2026, 994 cases were enrolled in various courts following Ipid's recommendations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to institute criminal proceedings against officers who transgressed. Additionally, 277 disciplinary recommendations were concluded by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The disciplinary sanctions imposed on police officers ranged from written warnings to dismissals from service. Ipid received a report on the disciplinary process and sanctions as per section 30 of the Ipid Act. The directorate continues to monitor and investigate cases of police misconduct, with a focus on addressing GBVF and other serious crimes.
Key points
- Ipid registered 5,259 cases of police misconduct in 2025/26, with 332 linked to GBVF.
- The top six police stations leading in GBVF cases were Kimberley, Marianhill, Madadeni, Phoenix, Humewood, and Welkom.
- Ipid secured 84 criminal convictions in the year under review, including 26 GBVF-related cases.
