SAPS Receives R127 Billion Budget as Govt Launches Major Police Reform Drive

Cachalia stressed that the reform programme is not a short-term intervention but rather a multi-year strategy aimed at rebuilding institutional integrity and operational effectiveness within SAPS.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been allocated R127.072 billion for the 2026/27 financial year as government intensifies efforts to rebuild public trust, strengthen crime-fighting capabilities and modernise policing systems across the country. The allocation is expected to increase to R135.8 billion by the 2028/29 financial year, making SAPS the largest institution within South Africa's Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.

Presenting the SAPS Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia described the allocation as part of a broader "police reset agenda" focused on creating a modern, professional and trusted police service that prioritises public safety and accountability.

Government Launches Long-Term "Police Reset Agenda"

Cachalia stressed that the reform programme is not a short-term intervention but rather a multi-year strategy aimed at rebuilding institutional integrity and operational effectiveness within SAPS.

"It requires a multi-year turnaround strategy that is consistently implemented. The actions we take in this financial year should contribute to the foundations upon which a strengthened SAPS can be built," the Acting Minister said.

He acknowledged growing public frustration over high crime levels, corruption and poor policing standards, saying South Africans are demanding a police service that is visible, disciplined and trustworthy.

"We won't promise miracles or short-term fixes. What matters is that the direction we are taking is clear and the goals are firm," Cachalia added.

The budget supports SAPS's longer-term strategy focused on improving:

• Police integrity

• Crime intelligence

• Investigative capabilities

• Community safety

• Operational efficiency

Government Acknowledges Corruption Challenges Within SAPS

While commending thousands of officers who continue serving under dangerous conditions, the Acting Minister admitted that SAPS remains affected by systemic corruption, particularly within procurement and supply chain systems.

Cachalia confirmed that investigations linked to the Madlanga Commission and internal anti-corruption initiatives are ongoing, warning that additional arrests of implicated officials are likely.

"Most of the recent arrests and criminal charges against senior police officers is the result of investigations that predate the Madlanga Commission," he said.

He added that the work of the commission is helping strengthen accountability efforts within the police service.

"The SAPS has established a dedicated Task Team to investigate referrals arising out of the Madlanga Commission. The Task Team is making progress, [and] arrests will continue," Cachalia stated.

Crime Intelligence and Detective Services to Be Strengthened

A major focus of the budget will be strengthening Crime Intelligence and the Detective Service to improve intelligence-led policing, criminal investigations and prosecution outcomes.

According to the Acting Minister, effective crime intelligence is essential for:

• Fighting organised crime

• Identifying threats early

• Infiltrating criminal networks

• Preventing violent crime

• Guiding operational deployments

"To retain expertise, the Detective Critical Skills Allowance of R1000, introduced in October 2025, will continue to support both SAPS and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation investigators," Cachalia said.

Officials believe improved intelligence capacity will significantly strengthen SAPS's ability to respond to sophisticated criminal operations.

New Organised Crime Strategy Introduced

Government has developed a new Organised Crime Strategy aimed at intensifying the fight against criminal syndicates and transnational crime networks.

The strategy focuses on:

• Intelligence-led policing

• Improved interdepartmental coordination

• Financial investigations

• Partnerships with private sector entities

• International law enforcement cooperation

Cachalia revealed that substantial resources have been allocated through:

• Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) funds

• Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) allocations

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, will continue strengthening cross-border intelligence-sharing and cooperation to target regional criminal networks.

Additional Funding to Combat Illegal Firearms

The government has also allocated additional resources to strengthen firearm regulation and combat the spread of illegal firearms.

Measures include:

• Enhanced firearm licensing compliance

• Strengthened enforcement under the Firearms Control Act

• Development of an upgraded digital Firearms Control Management System

"To strengthen regulation and enforcement under the Firearms Control Act, an additional R18 million has been allocated over and above the baseline allocation for licensing and compliance activities," the Acting Minister announced.

Officials say illegal firearms remain a major driver of violent crime in South Africa and require stronger monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

Focus on the Country's 50 Highest-Crime Police Precincts

Cachalia announced a renewed operational focus on South Africa's 50 highest-crime police precincts.

Detailed assessments will be conducted at these stations to evaluate:

• Leadership effectiveness

• Staffing levels

• Operational readiness

• Detective performance

• Infrastructure requirements

"A strengthened monitoring system will assess whether resources are directed strategically towards crime hotspots and offenders who cause the most harm to their communities," he said.

The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service will play a key role in oversight and monitoring efforts.

Government also plans to continue investing in:

• Police station upgrades

• Mobile Community Service Centres

• Station maintenance

• Community visibility initiatives

Police Modernisation Project to Digitise SAPS Systems

The SAPS budget also supports the ongoing Police Modernisation Project aimed at digitising administrative systems and improving operational efficiency.

The project is expected to:

• Reduce administrative burdens

• Improve operational coordination

• Allow more officers to focus on frontline policing

• Enhance service delivery

"This project will continue to be rolled out at high-crime stations and is part of the public-private sector partnership – the Joint Initiative Against Crime and Corruption, being led by the Presidency," Cachalia explained.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise policing infrastructure and improve responsiveness to community safety concerns.

Procurement and Supply Chain Systems to Be Reformed

To address corruption risks and inefficiencies, SAPS procurement and supply chain management systems will undergo major reforms in partnership with the National Treasury's Government Technical Advisory Centre.

The reforms aim to improve:

• Oversight

• Transparency

• Financial accountability

• Operational preparedness

Analysts say procurement reform will be critical for restoring public confidence and ensuring resources are used effectively in crime prevention and policing operations.

Government Seeks to Restore Public Trust in Policing

The large budget allocation reflects growing pressure on government to address violent crime, corruption, organised criminal activity and declining public trust in law enforcement institutions.

Experts believe the success of the "police reset agenda" will depend on:

• Effective implementation

• Institutional accountability

• Improved leadership

• Anti-corruption enforcement

• Stronger intelligence capabilities

• Community cooperation

While acknowledging that meaningful reform will take time, government officials say the current budget marks an important step toward rebuilding SAPS into a more professional, capable and trusted institution.