President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that rebuilding public confidence in the South African Police Service depends on eliminating corruption within its ranks.

The President said South Africans deserve assurance that officers fighting crime are not collaborating with criminals. He made the remarks in his weekly newsletter on Monday, as the country follows the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality and Political Interference in the Criminal Justice System.

Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga heads the commission investigating allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption in the criminal justice system. Ramaphosa described the allegations as deeply disturbing.

“South Africans are entitled to know the truth. They are entitled to know that those entrusted with fighting crime are not themselves working with criminals,” the President said.

He emphasised the commission must work thoroughly without fear or interference. Where wrongdoing is proven, consequences must follow and the law must take its course.

Honouring fallen officers

The President reflected on policing after the SAPS National Commemoration Day on Sunday. The event honoured officers who died in the line of duty over the past year.

Twelve police officers died on duty in the 12 months to March this year. This represents half the number recorded the previous year.

“Although this is half as many deaths as the year before, even one death of a SAPS member is one too many,” Ramaphosa said.

He paid tribute to officers serving under difficult and dangerous conditions. The SAPS has more than 180 000 members and over 3 000 reservists who respond to calls, investigate crimes and confront gangs.

“For every incompetent or corrupt SAPS member, there are many thousands more who are not. Most SAPS members serve with honour and embody the values of the badge they wear,” he said.

The President stressed that wrongdoing by some should not diminish the service of many honest officers.

Public confidence remains low

Public confidence in police remains a significant challenge. The 2025/2026 Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey found victims sometimes don’t report crimes because they believe police won’t act.

“We cannot dismiss this sentiment as simply a perception. We must take it seriously. Trust is one of the most important weapons we have in the fight against crime,” Ramaphosa said.

He said confidence must be earned through effective policing. This happens when calls are answered, vehicles arrive, cases are investigated properly and victims are treated with dignity.

“Above all, it is earned when criminals are arrested, prosecuted and brought to justice,” the President added.

Strengthening the force

Government is working to strengthen SAPS through increased capacity, including Project 11 000. The next intake of 5 500 constables will soon enter training academies.

However, building a capable service requires more than numbers. It demands recruiting the right people, providing proper training and placing them where needed most.

Psychometric and integrity testing now form part of the first recruitment phase. Ramaphosa said policing requires character, discipline and above all, integrity.

“There can be no place in the SAPS for criminals. There can be no place for corruption, and there can be no place for political interference in the work of the police,” he declared.

The President called for stronger crime intelligence, better detective work, improved forensic capabilities and greater use of technology. He also emphasised the need for effective police stations and greater visibility in communities.

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Community cooperation essential

Ramaphosa said building an effective and accountable police service is a shared responsibility. Communities can participate through policing forums, becoming reservists and reporting crime.

“Government carries the primary responsibility for keeping people safe, but the police cannot defeat crime without the support and cooperation of communities,” he said.

The President recognised businesses, community organisations, traditional leaders and faith groups supporting efforts to make communities safer.

He concluded that fighting crime and rooting out corruption are inseparable tasks. Public confidence cannot be built without eliminating corruption, and crime cannot be defeated without public cooperation.

“We honour those who have fallen. We support those who continue to serve, and we will continue the work of building a police service that is professional, capable, honest and worthy of the trust of the South African people,” Ramaphosa said.

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