Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo

Can the South African Police Service really keep us safe?

Improving public safety in South Africa is only possible with a stronger, more focused police service.

The track record of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has measurably declined since 2012. The detection rate, for example, plummeted 61% to a low of 12.5% in 2022/23. Organised crime, murder and rape have increased and public perceptions of safety have fallen.

The country’s new administration has an opportunity to reverse these alarming trends. Practical changes in five areas of policing could reverse the negative safety trajectory. This seminar presents the Institute for Security Studies’ evidence-based recommendations.

This event is part of the Driving Justice Series: Transforming Systems and Empowering Communities


Moderator: 
Janine Rauch, Consultant and Governance Expert, Justice and Violence Prevention, ISS Pretoria

Panelists:

  • Lt-general (Retired) Sharon Jephta, author of Serving with Integrity, Commitment and Excellence
  • Gareth Newham, Head, Justice and Violence Prevention, ISS Pretoria
  • TJ Masilela, Deputy Chairperson, National Community Policing Forum (CPF) Board and Chairperson, Gauteng CPF Board
  • Andries Sekgetho, Head of Portfolio – SAPS, Auditor-General of South Africa
Development partners
This seminar is funded by the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The ISS is also grateful for support from the members of the ISS Partnership Forum: the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the European Union, the Open Society Foundations and the governments of Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
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