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SAPS Brings Back 353 Detectives to Tackle South Africa’s Crime Backlog
Experienced detectives return to service
The South African Police Service has called 353 seasoned detectives back into action on a one-year contract, a move aimed at plugging one of the most critical gaps in the country’s fight against crime. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) welcomed the decision, describing it as a much-needed intervention in a detective service under immense strain.
Across South Africa, detectives have been shouldering extraordinary caseloads, with some managing 200 to 300 dockets each, and in certain provinces, the load has climbed to nearly 500 per officer. This crushing workload has been blamed for a 1.9 million-case backlog, leaving victims and families waiting years for justice.
A short-term lifeline for justice
While the recruitment of new constables is a positive long-term investment, POPCRU pointed out that turning rookies into fully competent detectives takes years. Rehiring experienced investigators, already skilled in specialised work, provides an immediate shot of relief.
To support the reappointments, SAPS confirmed a Detective Critical Skills Allowance of R1,000 per month, which will take effect from October 2025. The move recognises both the urgency of the crisis and the value these detectives bring back into the system.
POPCRU has been vocal about the broader crisis in detective services, highlighting that more than 2,300 posts remain vacant, over 8,400 detectives left between 2016 and 2023, and insufficient resources continue to hinder casework. Morale, the union stressed, is dangerously low.
A system stretched to its limits
The detective shortage is not new. South Africa’s investigative capacity has been steadily declining for nearly a decade, with experienced officers either leaving or retiring while fewer resources have been dedicated to building up replacements. Communities across the country have felt the impact, as case delays and low conviction rates erode trust in the justice system.
On social media, many South Africans have expressed relief at the reappointments, but some are sceptical about whether one-year contracts are enough to fix such a deep-rooted problem. Others called for a broader overhaul, noting that detectives cannot work effectively without proper training, tools, and institutional support.
Building beyond a quick fix
POPCRU emphasised that the reappointment plan should not stand alone. Alongside the 353 returning officers, more than 3,400 constables are being redeployed to detective services as part of wider reforms. The union has urged the government to ensure detectives are properly resourced, supported, and placed in conditions that allow them to do their jobs effectively.
South Africa’s crime crisis demands more than short-term solutions, yet this move provides a critical stopgap. By bringing back investigators who know the system and the streets, the SAPS is buying time to strengthen a weakened core.
For communities waiting for justice, the return of 353 detectives is not just a staffing adjustment. It represents renewed hope that long-delayed cases might finally move forward.
Also read: Maubane Tragedy: Ex-Girlfriend Killed, Partner Stabbed
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: AfriForum
