The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service (CSPS) in South Africa has expressed alarm over a significant increase in civil claims against the police, with cases rising from just over 10,000 in 2021 to more than 15,000 in the 2023/2024 financial year. This surge in claims has raised concerns about police misconduct, including allegations of torture and death in custody. The CSPS serves as a technical advisor to the police minister and exercises civilian oversight on the governance and service delivery of the police.
The CSPS, along with other entities in the police portfolio, recently briefed parliament on their annual reports and performance. According to Richard Mashilwane, the secretariat's director of strategic management, the police's conduct continues to be called into question, with thousands more claims reported over the last five years. The secretariat is now emphasizing the need for more work to be done to address civil claims and issues around police conduct.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has reported around 300 cases of police misconduct linked to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in 2025/26. IPID's recommendations, including 138 cases reported for the period under review, have highlighted areas of concern such as assault, torture, discharge of an official firearm, and issues around death as a result of police action.
Mashilwane stressed that the numbers are getting higher, and more work needs to be done around civil claims and issues around police conduct. He also noted that the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc committee inquiry recommendations must be part of future police reforms. The CSPS is advocating for a more proactive approach to addressing police misconduct and improving police-community relations.
The increase in civil claims against the police has significant implications for the South African Police Service (SAPS). With over 15,000 cases reported in the 2023/2024 financial year, SAPS is facing mounting pressure to address allegations of misconduct and improve its service delivery. The police service has previously been criticized for its handling of cases, including allegations of torture and ill-treatment of suspects.
The CSPS's concerns about police misconduct have been echoed by other stakeholders, including human rights groups and community organizations. These groups have long advocated for greater accountability and transparency within SAPS, particularly in cases involving allegations of misconduct. The CSPS's call for reforms is seen as a step in the right direction towards improving police-community relations and addressing the root causes of police misconduct.
The South African government has acknowledged the need for police reforms and has taken steps to address concerns about police misconduct. However, much work remains to be done to restore public trust in SAPS and ensure that police services are delivered in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all citizens. The CSPS's efforts to raise awareness about police misconduct and advocate for reforms are seen as crucial to achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service has raised concerns about a surge in civil claims against the police, with cases rising to over 15,000 in the 2023/2024 financial year.
- The increase in claims has been linked to allegations of police misconduct, including torture and death in custody.
- The CSPS is advocating for police reforms, including the implementation of recommendations from the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc committee inquiry.
