South African Police Service#List of former National Commissioners

The South African Police Service traces its origin to the Dutch Watch, a paramilitary organisation formed by settlers in the Cape Province in 1655 to protect civilians and to maintain law and order. In 1795, British officials assumed control over the Dutch Watch, and in 1825 established the Cape Constabulary (which became the Cape Town Police Force in 1840). In 1854, a police force was established in Durban which would become the Durban Borough Police, and in 1935 the Durban City Police (DCP).{{cite web|url=http://www.csvr.org.za/wits/papers/papnwhm7.htm|title=Metropolitan Police Services in South Africa, 2002|last=Newham|first=Gareth|author2=Themba Masuku and Lulama Gomomo|publisher=csvr.org.za|access-date=8 August 2009}} Act 3 of 1855 established the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police Force in the Eastern Cape, restyled as the Cape Mounted Riflemen in 1878.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/magazine/articles/uhf_safrica2.htm|title=The Irish in South Africa – The Police, A Case Study (Part 20) |last=McCracken|first=Donal P|year=1991|publisher=Irish Times|access-date=8 August 2009}}

{{main|South African Police}}

The South African Police (SAP) was created after the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1913. Four years later, the Mounted Riflemen's Association relinquished its civilian responsibilities to the SAP as most of its riflemen left to serve in the First World War. The SAP and the military maintained a close relationship even after the SAP assumed permanent responsibility for domestic law and order in 1926. Police officials often called on the army for support in case of emergencies. During the Second World War, one SAP brigade served with the 2nd Infantry Division of the South African Army in North Africa.

When the National Party (NP) edged out its more liberal opponents in nationwide elections in 1948, the new government enacted legislation that strengthened the relationship between the police and the military. Police subsequently became heavily armed, especially when facing unruly or hostile crowds. The Police Act (No. 7) of 1958 broadened the mission of the SAP beyond conventional police functions, and allowed police to quell civil unrest and conduct counterinsurgency operations. The Police Amendment Act (No. 70) of 1965 allowed police to detain any person, receptacle, vehicle, aircraft, or premises within one mile of any national border, and to seize anything found without a warrant. This search-and-seize zone was extended to within eight miles of any border in 1979 and to the entire country in 1983.

The new Minister of Safety and Security, Sydney Mufamadi, obtained police training assistance from Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and Canada and proclaimed that racial tolerance and human rights would be central to police training in the future. By the end of 1995, the SAPS had incorporated the ten police agencies of the former homelands, and had reorganised at both national and provincial level.

{{anchor|ipu}}The Investigative Psychology Unit (IPU), also referred to as Investigative Psychology Section (IPS), was founded by forensic psychologist Micki Pistorius{{cite web | last=Labuschagne | first=Gérard | title=The Profiler Diaries: From the case files of a police psychologist Penguin Random House South Africa | website=Penguin Random House South Africa | url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/extracts/profiler-diaries-case-files-police-psychologist | access-date=13 March 2024}} in 1996. Elmarie Myburgh was a founding member It was then a division of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, later being moved to the Detective Service, and from June 2008 to the Criminal Record and Forensic Science Service (CRFSS). At that time, it comprised only three members at national head office level, led by Gerard Labuschagne.{{cite journal | last=Omar | first=Bilkis | title=Investigating psychologically motivated crimes: The work of the SAPS Investigative Psychology Unit | journal=South African Crime Quarterly | issue=25 | date=8 March 2008 | issn=2413-3108 | doi=10.17159/2413-3108/2008/i25a948 | url=https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sacq/article/view/948 | access-date=13 March 2024 | page=| doi-broken-date=2 November 2024 }}

File:Wine Expo 2014 1.jpg]]

{{also|Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union|South African Policing Union}}

South African Police Service headquarters in located in Pretoria.

{{as of|March 2023}}, there were three Deputy National Commissioners, with each of these split into divisions as follows:{{cite report| url= https://www.saps.gov.za/about/stratframework/annual_report/2022_2023/Annual-Report-2022-23-final-draft-2023-10-12.pdf| chapter= 9. Organisational structure, as at 31 March 2023 |page=30|title=South African Police Services ANNUAL REPORT 2022/2023 |publisher=South African Police Services| author= South African Police Service, Strategic Management| isbn=978-0-621-51233-5| series= RP number 196/2023 |date=31 August 2023}}

• Policing:
• Visible Policing and Operations
• Protection and Security Services
• Crime Detection:
• Detective and Forensic Services
• Crime Intelligence
• Support Services
• Human Resource Management
• Human Resource Development
• Legal and Policy Services
• Technology Management Services

A new ranking system of the South African Police Service was adopted in April 2010.{{Cite web |url=http://www.saps.gov.za/org_profiles/NEW_RANK_STRUCTURE_WEB.pdf |title= New rank structure |access-date=3 April 2010 |archive-date=21 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821025108/http://www.saps.gov.za/org_profiles/NEW_RANK_STRUCTURE_WEB.pdf |url-status=dead }} The change caused some controversy as new ranks like "general" and "colonel" have a military connotation. Furthermore, the new rank system mirrors the system used by the South African Police during the apartheid era. In 2009, Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula spoke of making the police a paramilitary force by changing the SAPS ranking system so that it would closely mirror the military ranking system. This created a significant amount of controversy from people critical of what they called the "militarisation" of the police.[http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page71619?oid=148248&sn=Detail The professor and the police minister.] Paul Trewhela, 25 October 2009[http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-10-19-asmal-militarisation-of-police-is-craziness Asmal: Militarisation of police is "craziness" Mail & Guardian, 19 October 2009][http://www.opendemocracy.net/christopher-mcmichael/green-zone-nation-south-african-government%E2%80%99s-new-growth-path Green Zone Nation: The South African government’s new growth path], Open Democracy, 19 March 2012

The ranking system was amended in 2016. The role of regional police commissioner was introduced, with the rank of lieutenant general. The major and lieutenant ranks were eliminated, with lieutenants assuming the rank of captain and majors assuming the rank of lieutenant colonel.{{cite news|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/police-rank-reform-the-best-in-years-2028582|title=Police rank reform the best in years|publisher=IOL|date=31 May 2016|access-date=7 January 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://ewn.co.za/2016/05/31/Police-to-introduce-new-regional-commissioner-rank|title=Police To Introduce New Regional Commissioner Rank|publisher=Eyewitness News|date=31 May 2016|access-date=7 January 2019}}

{{hatnote|For a list of former commissioners, see list below}}

{{as of|2024}} the National Commissioner is Lt. Gen. Sehlahle Fannie Masemola,{{cite web | title=South African Police Service (SAPS) | website=South African Government | url=https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/departments/south-african-police-service-saps | access-date=13 March 2024}} who was appointed on 31 March 2022.{{cite web | last=Chabalala | first=Jeanette | title=Fannie Masemola named new national police commissioner | website=News24 | date=31 March 2022 | url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/fannie-masemola-named-new-national-police-commissioner-20220331 | access-date=13 March 2024}}{{cite web | title=Services | website=SAPS (South African Police Service) | date=31 March 2022 | url=https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=39041 | access-date=13 March 2024}} Leon Mbangwa is Chief of Staff.{{cite web | title=Department of Police (SAPS) | website=Management | url=https://nationalgovernment.co.za/units/management/39/department-of-police-saps | access-date=13 March 2024}}

Through the early-1990s, the police were equipped with smoke and tear-gas dispensing vehicles, tank trucks with water cannons, vehicles that dispensed barbed wire or razor wire to cordon off areas, and a number of rotor and fixed wing aircraft for surveillance, ground force management, rapid deployment of Task Force and specialist teams to crime scenes and VIP personnel movements. The RG-12 'Nyala' is on the most commonly used armoured vehicle of the service. The Casspir Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle is another notable vehicle used by the police.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

File:South African Police K9 Ford Focus (16973321327).jpg|Ford Focus{{Cite web |title=Services {{!}} SAPS (South African Police Service) |url=https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=33688 |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=www.saps.gov.za}}

File:South African Police car - highway patrol.jpg|BMW 3 Series Highway Patrol

File:South African Police VW Golf 5 GTI (24900093814).jpg|Volkswagen Golf GTI

File:South African Police Services Durban Explosives Section MB Vito CDI.jpg|Mercedes-Benz Vito Explosives Section

File:South African Police Ford Ranger 2.2.jpg|Ford Ranger

File:South African Police car - Ulundi (8).JPG|RG-12

File:South African Police AS 350 B3 ZS-RWX.jpg|Eurocopter AS350

File:South African Police Pilatus PC-6B2-H4 ZS-NIT (6881996449).jpg|Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4

{{As of|October 2023}}, with the arrival of a new helicopter, the SAPS Air Wing operates a fleet of 34 aeroplanes and helicopters. The Air Wing has about 50 pilots and 300 other personnel.{{cite news |last1=Helfrich |first1=Kim |title=Two new helicopters for SAPS Air Wing |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/two-new-helicopters-for-saps-air-wing/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=DefenceWeb |date=10 October 2023 |language=en-ZA}}

The SAPS Air Wing fleet consists of:{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Guy |title=Armscor seeking troop carrying helicopter for the SAPS | work=defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/armscor-seeking-troop-carrying-helicopter-for-the-saps/ |access-date=19 March 2024 |date=19 March 2024 |language=en-ZA}}

{{col-begin}}{{col-2}}

Airplanes

• 8 x Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4
• 1 x Beech King Air C90A
• 1 x Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign
• 1 x Pilatus PC-12/47

{{col-2}}

Helicopters

• 16 x Eurocopter AS350 B3
• 6 x Robinson R44
• 2 x McDonnell-Douglas 369E
• 1 x MBB Bk 117B1

{{col-end}}

File:South african police may 2010.jpg rifles in Johannesburg, 2010]]

South African Police Service officers generally carry a Vektor Z88 9mm pistol and pepper spray. Each patrol car is usually also equipped a R5 rifle. To quell disturbances a variety of firearms are used, including BXP sub-machine gun, Musler 12 gauge shotgun (capable of firing anti-riot rubber bullets contained in standard 12 bore shotgun cartridges), as well as tear gas and pencil flares. The R1 rifle has been withdrawn from all front-line police armories since the mid-1990s, but is still used by elements of the Special Task Force.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

{{image frame

|content={{Graph:Chart

|vAnnotatonsLine=2012.9, 2021

|vAnnotatonsLabel= Marikana massacre, Zuma riots

| width = 450

| height=

| type = line

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| xAxisAngle = -40

| yAxisTitle = % of the population that trust the police

| xAxisMax = 1641013100000

| yAxisMin =

| yGrid = yes

| linewidth = 2

| x = 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

| y1 = 42, 47, 39, 40, ,42, 46, 43, 40, 39, 39, 40, 41, 41, 36, 28, 34, 38, 34, 35, 31, , 34, 27

| y2 =

| y3 =

| colors = blue, red, gray,

}}

|width=510

|caption=Public trust in the South African Police Service between 1998 and 2021. The Marikana Massacre (2012) and Zuma Riots (2021) are highlighted.{{cite news|last1=|first1=|title=Changing patterns of trust in the police in South Africa |url=http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/media-briefs/dces/changing-patterns-of-trust-in-sa-police |access-date=24 March 2022 |publisher=HSRC|date=23 March 2022}}

|border=no

}}

Since the departure of democratic South Africa's first National commissioner George Fivaz in January 2000, a number of successive commissioners have been unable to complete a single term in office, most implicated in and charged with misconduct.{{cite news|last1=Khaas|first1=Tebogo|title=Black Monday: We are going backwards |url=https://www.news24.com/Columnists/GuestColumn/black-monday-we-are-going-backwards-20171105-2 |access-date=6 November 2017 |agency=News24 |date=2017-11-05}}{{cite news|last1=editorials|title=Top cop position is a poisoned chalice |url=https://citizen.co.za/opinion/opinion-editorials/1409687/commissioners-under-the-cosh/|access-date=6 November 2017 |agency=The Citizen |date=2017-10-27}}

The distribution of personnel has been controversial, with local legislators questioning why areas most in need of policing resources are being neglected.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-04-08-beyond-khayelitsha-just-how-unequal-is-distribution-of-police-in-south-africa|title=Beyond Khayelitsha: Just how unequal is distribution of police in South Africa?|last=VAN DER MERWE|first=Marelise|date=8 April 2016|publisher=Daily Maverick|access-date=10 October 2016}} The department was criticised by the Western Cape Government for providing the lowest number personnel (adjusted for population) with a shortage of 2,392 officers,{{Cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/western-capes-police-shortage-receiving-lots-of-attention-top-cop-20160412|title=Western Cape's police shortage receiving 'lots of attention' – top cop|newspaper=News24|access-date=2016-10-10}} despite having the highest murder rate.{{Cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/public-hearings-to-be-held-over-police-shortages-in-western-cape-20160919|title=Public hearings to be held over police shortages in Western Cape|newspaper=News24|access-date=2016-10-10}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.groundup.org.za/article/highest-crime-areas-have-fewest-cops-khayelitsha-commission_2167/|title=Highest crime areas have fewest cops - Khayelitsha commission|last=Knoetze|first=Daneel|date=26 August 2014|publisher=Ground Up|access-date=10 October 2016}} This was the subject of the Khayelitsha Commission in 2012.

{{main|Political repression in post-apartheid South Africa}}

Amnesty International has expressed concerns about police brutality, including torture and extrajudicial killings, in South Africa.[http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/amnesty-red-flag-police-brutality-1.1068706 Amnesty red flag police brutality], Craig Dodds, 13 May 2011[https://www.amnesty.org/en/region/south-africa/report-2011 Amnesty International South Africa Report 2011][http://abahlali.org/node/991 See for instance this statement by Abahlali baseMjondolo]{{cite web|url=http://www.abahlali.org/node/3721| title=Housing and Evictions at the N2 Gateway Project in Delft| publisher=Abahlali baseMjondolo|date =8 May 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://antieviction.org.za/2008/02/19/video-of-delft-shootings-on-etv/| title=Video of Delft shootings on eTV| publisher=YouTube|date =19 February 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://antieviction.org.za/2008/02/22/pictures-of-delft-evictions-and-police-brutality/| title=Pictures of Delft evictions and police brutality| publisher=Anti-Eviction Campaign|date =22 February 2008}} There has also been concern about brutal training methods for the police.{{cite news |url=http://mg.co.za/article/2011-06-03-saps-the-strong-arm-of-force |title=Police training: Brutality exposed |work=Mail and Guardian |date=3 June 2011}} According to Peter Jordi from the Wits Law Clinic "[Police] Torture is spiralling out of control. It is happening everywhere."[http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2012/04/30/predator-police-in-reign-of-terror 'Predator police' in reign of terror] GRAEME HOSKEN, The Times, 30 April 2012 Brandon Edmonds argues that "The cops prey on the poor in this country."[http://www.mahala.co.za/culture/the-new-toyi-toyi/ The New Toyi Toyi], Brandon Edmonds, Mahala, 12 May 2012 Independent studies have confirmed that the SAPS has been used to repress peaceful marches.{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20071012021959/http://www.fxi.org.za/content/view/49/51/ See, for instance, a report on illegal police repression in South Africa by the Freedom of Expression Institute]}} In April 2009, SAPS attempted to ban unFreedom Day{{cite web|url=http://libcom.org/library/unfreedom-day-2009| title=UnFreedom Day 2009| publisher=Libcom}} and was implicated in support for September 2009 ANC mob that attacked the elected leadership of the shack settlement at Kennedy Road, Durban.{{cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/94212f4a70a54a77a811b7fb94c15069/28-09-2009-10-36/Dbn_attackers_associated_with_ANC|title='Attackers associated with ANC'|publisher=News24}}{{cite news|url=http://abahlali.org/node/5771|title=The Attacks Continue in the Presence of the Police and Senior ANC Leaders|publisher=Abahlali baseMjondolo}}{{cite news|url=http://antieviction.org.za/2009/09/28/joint-statement-on-the-attacks-on-the-kennedy-road-informal-settlement-in-durban/|title=Joint Statement on the attacks on the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Durban|publisher=Professor John Dugard SC, et al|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018040141/http://antieviction.org.za/2009/09/28/joint-statement-on-the-attacks-on-the-kennedy-road-informal-settlement-in-durban/|archive-date=18 October 2013|df=dmy-all}} Police officers have also been accused of excessive policing in Blikkiesdorp in Delft, Cape Town, by suppression of freedom and ordering illegal curfews.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/01/south-africa-world-cup-blikkiesdorp/|title=Life in 'Tin Can Town' for the South Africans evicted ahead of World Cup|publisher=The Guardian Newspaper | location=London | first=David | last=Smith | date=1 April 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://antieviction.org.za/2009/10/20/media-somalis-harassed-and-threatened-but-too-broke-to-leave/|title=Somalis harassed and threatened, but too broke to leave|publisher=Anti-Eviction Campaign|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405215952/http://antieviction.org.za/2009/10/20/media-somalis-harassed-and-threatened-but-too-broke-to-leave/|archive-date=5 April 2010|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://antieviction.org.za/2009/01/18/photos-blikkiesdorp-the-symphony-way-tra/|title=Photos: 'Blikkiesdorp', the Symphony Way TRA 18 01 2009|publisher=Anti-Eviction Campaign|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124193537/http://antieviction.org.za/2009/01/18/photos-blikkiesdorp-the-symphony-way-tra/|archive-date=24 November 2009|df=dmy-all}}

In 2011, 630 police officers from Gauteng Province were arrested for fraud and corruption, rape and murder.[http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/south-africa/120509/south-africa-crime-corruption-police-officers-law, Global Post, South Africa troubled by corrupt cops, 10 May 2012] An April 2012 editorial in The Times opined: "It seems torture and outright violation of human rights is becoming the order of the day for some of our police officers and experts warn that the line between criminals and our law enforcement officers is "blurred"."[http://www.timeslive.co.za/opinion/editorials/2012/04/30/if-the-police-are-no-better-than-thugs-who-will-save-us If the police are no better than thugs, who will save us?], Editorial, The Times, 30 April 2012

In February 2013, police in Daveyton, Gauteng were caught on video brutalising Mido Macia, a Mozambican taxi driver accused of parking illegally. Macia was handcuffed to a police van and dragged through the streets, later succumbing to his injuries.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21625395 |title=President Zuma of South Africa shocked over 'police dragging' |publisher=BBC News |date=1 March 2013 |access-date=26 October 2013}} Eight police officers were arrested and later convicted of murder.{{cite web|author=Milton Nkosi |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21627554 |title=South Africa: Eight police arrested over drag death |publisher=BBC News |date=1 March 2013 |access-date=26 October 2013}}

Three police officers were arrested for the controversial shooting of Nathaniel Julies, a 16 year-old boy with down syndrome, in Eldorado Park.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

{{main|Marikana miner strike}}

The Marikana Massacre,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19388584|title=South Africa's ANC to discuss mine shootings row|date=27 August 2012|access-date=27 August 2012|publisher=BBC News}} was a mass shooting that occurred when police broke up a gathering by striking Lonmin workers on a 'koppie' (hilltop) near the Nkaneng shack settlement in Marikana on 16 August 2012. 34 miners were killed and 78 miners injured, causing anger and public outcry, fueled by reports that most of the victims were shot from behind[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/9501910/Striking-South-African-miners-were-shot-in-the-back.html Striking South African miners 'were shot in the back'], The Daily Telegraph, 27 August 2012 and many shot far from police lines.[http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-08-30-the-murder-fields-of-marikana-the-cold-murder-fields-of-marikana The murder fields of Marikana: the cold murder fields of Marikana], by Greg Marinovich, The Daily Maverick, 8 September 2012 It later emerged that the violence had actually started on 11 August when leaders from the National Union of Mineworkers opened fire on striking NUM members killing two.{{cite web|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2012-10-22-lonmin-caused-problem-at-marikana-say-police/ |title=NUM: Lethal force ahead of Marikana shootings was justified |publisher=Mail & Guardian |date=22 October 2012 |access-date=26 October 2013}} It is alleged that police did nothing in the aftermath thereby creating a situation in which workers felt that they would have to use other means to protect themselves.{{cite web |url= http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2012-10-12-marikana-prequel-num-and-the-murders-that-started-it-all/ |title=Marikana prequel: NUM and the murders that started it all |publisher=Daily Maverick |date=12 October 2012 |access-date=26 October 2013}} Between 12 and 14 August, approximately 8 more people were killed including two policemen and two security guards.[http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2012/10/23/marikana-inquiry-updates-23-october-2012 Marikana inquiry updates 23 October 2012], Times Live, 23 October 2012 It is the country's deadliest incident between police and the civilian population since the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, and has been referred to as a turning-point in post-1994 South Africa.[http://thinkafricapress.com/south-africa/police-service-and-public-order-war-saps-marikana-lonmin The South African Police Service and the Public Order War], by Chris McMichael, Think Africa Press, 3 September 2012[http://truth-out.org/news/item/11237-the-marikana-massacre-a-turning-point-for-south-africa The Marikana Massacre: A turning point for South Africa], by Nigel Gibson, Truthout, 2 September 2012[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/aug/29/marikana-turning-point-south-africa South Africa: Marikana is a turning point], by William Gumede, The Guardian, 29 August 2012

On 10 September 2007 an arrest warrant was issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi (Interpol president from 2004 to 2008). On 23 September 2007, President Mbeki suspended NPA Head Vusi Pikoli, allegedly because of "an irretrievable breakdown" in the relationship between Pikoli and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla. However, journalists at the Mail and Guardian claim to have solid information supporting the widespread suspicion that President Mbeki suspended Pikoli as part of a bid to shield Police Commissioner Selebi.[https://web.archive.org/web/20071011001553/http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=321113&area=/insight/insight__national/ The desperate bid to shield Selebi] According to the Mail and Guardian on 5 October 2007 the NPA was investigating Selebi for corruption, fraud, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice.

Selebi was found guilty of corruption in July 2010, but not guilty of further charges of perverting the course of justice.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/10485558.stm |title=South Africa ex-police head Selebi guilty of corruption |publisher=BBC|date=2 July 2010|access-date=2 July 2010}}

In February 2011 Bheki Cele was implicated in unlawful conduct and maladministration with a R500m lease agreement for the new police headquarters in Pretoria.{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Cele-must-explain-says-protector-20110304 |title=Cele must explain, says protector |publisher=News24 |date=4 March 2011 |access-date=26 October 2013}} In October 2011, President Jacob Zuma announced that Cele had been suspended pending an investigation into the agreement.{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/Bheki-Cele-suspended-over-lease-saga-20111024 |title=Bheki Cele suspended over lease saga |publisher=News24 |date=24 October 2011 |access-date=26 October 2013}} After recommendation from a board of inquiry, Zuma dismissed Cele and announced that Riah Phiyega, the first female commissioner, would replace him.{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Bheki-Cele-fired-20120612 |title=Bheki Cele fired |publisher=News24 |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=26 October 2013}}

In February 2018, SAPS Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, who was also former acting SAPS Commissioner, and his wife appeared in court on charges of fraud and corruption.{{cite news|url=http://ewn.co.za/2018/02/08/former-top-cop-phahlane-to-appear-in-court-on-fraud-corruption-charges|title=Former Top Cop Phahlane to Appear in Court on Fraud, Corruption Charges|first=Barry|last=Bateman|date=8 February 2018|publisher=Eyewitness News}}{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/top-cops-luxury-car-fleet-comes-under-the-spotlight-20170125|title=Top cop's luxury car fleet comes under the spotlight|date=25 January 2018|first=Angelique|last=Serrao|publisher=News24}}{{cite news|url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/a-look-back-into-the-case-against-phahlane-20180208|title=A look back into the case against Phahlane|date=8 February 2018|first=Angelique|last=Serrao|publisher=News24}} On 30 July 2020, Phahlane was dismissed from the police after three years on suspension. The same day, he was found guilty of dishonest conduct.{{cite news|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-07-30-former-acting-national-police-commissioner-khomotso-phahlane-sacked/|title=Former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane sacked|first=Marianne|last=Thamm|publisher=Daily Maverick|date=30 July 2020|access-date=24 December 2020}}

On 12 July 2019, it was announced the five North West Province police officers were arrested during the week in three separate corruption cases.{{cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/north-west/five-north-west-cops-arrested-for-corruption-29094300|title=Five cops arrested for corruption and bribery in North West|first=Ernest|last=Mabuza|publisher=Sunday Times|date=12 July 2019|access-date=December 25, 2020}} On 4 June 2020, six senior Gauteng police officers where among 14 people arrested on corruption charges.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-04/top-south-african-police-officers-arrested-in-graft-crackdown#:~:text=South%20African%20authorities%20arrested%2015,revamping%20the%20law%20enforcement%20services.|title=Top South African Police Officers Arrested in Graft Crackdown|first=Paul|last=Richardson|publisher=Bloomberg News|date=4 June 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}} Two other senior officers, now retired, were arrested as well.{{cite news|url=https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/saps-arrests-police-officers-over-fraud-corruption/|title=SAPS arrests police officers over fraud, corruption|publisher=SABC News|date=4 June 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}} Among the Guateng-based SAPS officers charged with corruption included three brigadiers and a retired SAPS Lieutenant General.

On 12 October 2020, Lieutenant-General Bonang Mgwenya, the country's second-most senior police official, was arrested on charges of corruption, fraud, theft and money laundering involving about R200-million and afterwards appeared in Ridge Magistrates court. At the time of Mgwenya's arrest, she and Phahlane were among 14 fellow officers who were charged with corruption.{{cite news|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-10-12-sas-second-most-senior-cop-lieutenant-general-bonang-mgwenya-appears-on-corruption-charges-for-dodgy-tenders/|title=SA's second most senior cop, Lieutenant-General Bonang Mgwenya, appears on corruption charges for dodgy tenders|first=Marianne|last=Thamm|publisher=Daily Maverick|date=12 October 2020|access-date=24 December 2020}} Mgwenya was suspended on 15 October 2020 and was dismissed from SAPS on 13 November 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/deputy-police-commissioner-fired-following-corruption-charges-20201113|title=Deputy police commissioner Bonang Mgwenya fired following corruption charges|first=Riaan|last=Grobler|publisher=News 24|date=13 November 2020|access-date=December 24, 2020}}

On 23 December 2020, four Cape Town police officers attached to the national border control unit at Cape Town International Airport were arrested for extorting money from Chinese businesses.{{cite news|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-12-23-cape-town-border-control-police-officers-arrested-for-business-robbery/|title=Cape Town border control police officers arrested for 'business robbery'|first=Philani|last=Nombemde|publisher=Sunday Times|date=23 December 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}}

On 23 December 2020, Peter Ntsime, Acting Deputy General Secretary of the South African Policing Union (SAPU), reported that Colonel Kamelash Dalip Singh, a senior SAPU policeman from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, was arrested, and then released on bail, on a bribe charge. Ntsime criticised the arrest, stating Singh was at the forefront of arresting crooked police officers and was onto a big syndicate. Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson, Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, said that undercover Hawks officers caught Singh red-handed accepting a R5,000 bribe.{{cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/anti-corruption-unit-cop-gets-bail-for-allegedly-taking-a-bribe-f3575a5b-0769-488e-bb85-43f275381e01|title=Anti-corruption unit cop gets bail for allegedly taking a bribe|publisher=IOL|date=December 23, 2020|access-date=December 23, 2020}}

On 28 December 2020, three law enforcement officers who were employed by the Emalahleni Municipality were arrested in Mpumalanga on corruption and bribery charges which involved allegations of not issuing standard fines to motorists who committed traffic violations, but instead extorting them for bribes.{{cite news|url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/three-law-enforcement-officers-arrested-for-bribery-and-corruption/|title=Three law enforcement officers arrested for bribery and corruption|first=Andrea|last=Chothia|publisher=The South African|date=December 28, 2020|access-date=January 4, 2020}}

In 2022, two criminal charges were lodged by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate against the National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole for refusing to cooperate with its investigation into the murder of Charl Kinnear. Kinnear was a police intelligence officer investigating organised crime within the SAPS.{{Cite web|last=Thamm|first=Marianne|date=2022-01-30|title=SAPS in Crisis: Game on: Ipid lays second criminal charge against National Police Commissioner Sitole|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-30-game-on-ipid-lays-second-criminal-charge-against-national-police-commissioner-sitole/|access-date=2022-02-01|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}

{{Post-start|caption=National Commissioners|float=none}}

{{Post-header|post-name=Commissioners of the South African Police}}

{{Post-member|from-date={{start-date|1913}}|post-incumbent=Colonel Sir Theodorus Gustaff Truter {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|CMG|KBE|KPM}}1918 New Year Honours#Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG){{London Gazette |issue=30451 |date=28 December 1917 |page=82 |supp=y }} Note: Chancery of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Downing Street, 1st January, 1918.: To be Ordinary Members of the Third Class, or Companions, of the said Most Distinguished Order|to-date=1928}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1928|post-incumbent=Major General Isaac Pierre de Villiers {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|CB|MC|KStJ}}{{Cite web|title=South African Army Officers 1939-1945|url=https://www.unithistories.com/officers/South_African_Army_officers.html|access-date=2022-10-14 |website=World War II unit histories}}{{Cite journal|title=The Fighting Police of South Africa|first1=Hennie|last1=Heymans|volume=7|issue=8|url=https://issuu.com/hennieheymans/docs/00_vol_7_no_8_-_fighting_police |access-date=2022-10-15 |date=May 2016|place=Pretoria|via=issuu.com |language=en|page=8|journal=Nongqai}}{{rp|8}}|to-date=1940}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1940|post-incumbent=Brigadier George Robson Carruthers Baston {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|KPM|ON}}{{cite web|url=https://www.onderscheidingen.nl/decorandi/wo2/zafr.html|title=Dutch awards to South African nationals for World War II}}{{cite web|url=https://www.samirror.com/brig-gcr-baston.html|title=Brigadier GRC Baston|website=South African Mirror|access-date=12 October 2022}}|to-date=1945{{efn|Brig George CR Baston was acting Commissioner of the South African Police Force (1940 - 1945) whilst Maj Gen IP de Villiers served in the Union Defence Force}} }}

{{Post-member|from-date=1 August 1945|post-incumbent=Major General Robert John Palmer {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|CVO|KPM}} {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|DSO2}}{{cite web|url=https://www.samirror.com/maj-gen-rj-palmer.html|title=Maj General Robert "Bobbie" Palmer|website=South African Mirror|access-date=12 October 2022}}{{London Gazette |issue=35473|date=27 February 1942|page=997|supp=y }} Note: Award of the first DSO{{London Gazette |issue=38288|date=11 May 1948|page=2919|supp=y }} Note: Award of the Bronze Star while a Brigadier{{London Gazette |issue=37235|date=21 August 1945|page=2919|supp=y }} Note: Award of the Second Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. (Third Award of the DSO){{London Gazette |issue=37039|date=17 April 1945|page=2072|supp=y }} Note: Award of the First Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. (Second award of the DSO){{efn|General Palmer was awarded the DSO and two bars, that is three awards of the DSO as well as the American Bronze Star.}}{{Cite web |last1=Houterman |first1=Hans |title=Palmer, Robert John Biography |url=https://www.unithistories.com/officers/bio/south%20african/Palmer_RJ_bio.pdf |access-date=14 October 2022 |website=World War II unit histories}}|to-date=1951}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1951|post-incumbent=Major General Jan-Kamas Brink|to-date=1954}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1954|post-incumbent=Major General Corrie I. Rademeyer|to-date=1960}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1960|post-incumbent=Lieutenant General Hendrik Jacobus du Plooy {{Post-nominals|country=GBR|MVO}}|to-date=1962}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1962|post-incumbent=Lieutenant General Johannes Martinus Keevy|to-date=1968}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1968|post-incumbent=General Johannes Petrus Gous|to-date=1971}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1971|post-incumbent=General G. J. Joubert {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SOO}}|to-date=1973}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1973|post-incumbent=General Theodorus J. Crous|to-date=1975}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1975|post-incumbent=General Gert L. Prinsloo|to-date=1978}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1978|post-incumbent=General Michiel Christian Wilhelm Geldenhuys {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SED|SOO|SOE|SD}}|to-date=1983}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1 June 1983|post-incumbent=General Petrus Johann Coetzee {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SSA|SED|SOO|SOE|SD}}|to-date=1987}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1987|post-incumbent=General Hennie G. de Witt|to-date=1989}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1990|post-incumbent=General Johan Velde van der Merwe {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SSAS|SOE}}|to-date=1996}}

{{Post-header|post-name=Commissioners of the South African Police Service}}

{{Post-member|from-date=29 January 1995|post-incumbent=General John George Fivaz {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SSAG|SOE}}{{Cite web |author=South African Government|title=1999 National Orders awards |url=https://www.gov.za/about-government/1999-national-orders-awards |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=www.gov.za}}{{Cite journal|title=Nongqai|volume=9|issue=6|first1=Hennie Brig (Rtd)|last1=Heymans|via=Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/hennieheymans/docs/nongqai_vol_9_no_6 |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=issuu.com |date=21 May 2018|language=en|page=17}}{{rp|17}}|to-date=31 December 1999}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1 January 2000|post-incumbent=General J. "Jackie" S. Selebi|to-date=2009}}

{{Post-member|from-date=July 2009|post-incumbent=General Bheki H. Cele{{Cite web |title=Bheki Cele, Gen |author=South African Government |url=https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/bheki-cele-gen |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=www.gov.za}}{{efn|Subsequently Minister of Police}}|to-date=Oct 2011}}

{{Post-member|from-date=2011|post-incumbent=Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi{{Cite web |first1=Major General: Nonkululeko |last1=Mbatha|date=25 October 2011|title=Maj. Gen. Lucky Mkhwanazi: The SAPS CV - POLITICS|url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/maj-gen-lucky-mkhwanazi-the-saps-cv |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=Politicsweb |language=en}}|to-date=2012}}

{{Post-member|from-date=2012|post-incumbent=General Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SOEG}}|to-date=2015}}

{{Post-member|from-date=15 Oct 2015|post-incumbent=Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane{{efn|Acting}}|to-date=1 June 2017}}

{{Post-member|from-date=1 June 2017|post-incumbent=Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba{{efn|Acting}}|to-date=22 Nov 2017}}

{{Post-member|from-date=22 Nov 2017|post-incumbent=General Khehla John Sitole {{Post-nominals|country=ZAR|SOE}}{{Cite web |title=Curriculum Vitae of General KJ Sitole |url=https://www.saps.gov.za/about/cv_of_general_kj_sitole.pdf |access-date=15 October 2022 |website=SAPS}}{{efn|Term ended by mutual agreement between him and the president}}|to-date=31 March 2022}}

{{Post-member|from-date=31 March 2022|post-incumbent=Lt General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola{{Cite web |title=Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, Lt Gen |author=South African Government |url=https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/saps-nat-comm |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=www.gov.za}}|to-date=present}}

{{End}}

{{See also|List of South African Battle Honours}}

Police units earned battle honours in both world wars and in border wars with Rhodesia.

{{BattleHonour|Title=First World War|South_West_Africa_1914_1915|South_West_Africa_1914_1915|German_East_Africa_1916_18}}

{{BattleHonour|Title=Second World War|Western_Desert_1941_43|

Gazala |

Bardia |

Point_204 |

Sollum |

Halfaya |

Commonwealth_Keep |

Tobruk }}

{{BattleHonour|Title=Others Awarded|Rhodesia_1967_75}}

{{notelist|30em}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• South African Police Service Occult-related Crimes Unit
• Hawks ( Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation / SAPS)
• South African Police Service Special Task Force
• Political repression in post-apartheid South Africa

{{commons category|South African Police Service}}

• [http://www.saps.gov.za/ South African Police Service]
• [http://www.southafricanpoliceofficersmemorial.com/ South African Police Officers Memorial]
• [https://saferplaces.org/directory Directory of police stations in South Africa]

{{SA Government departments}}

{{Law enforcement in South Africa}}

{{South Africa topics}}

{{Africa topic|Law enforcement in}}

{{Africa topic| Extrajudicial killings in }}

{{police}}{{Border protection agencies}}{{Authority control}}

Category:1995 establishments in South Africa

Category:Crime in South Africa

Category:Government agencies established in 1995

Category:National law enforcement agencies of South Africa

[[Category:Arrests