The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed shock, concern and outrage following the revelation that at least 97 members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have been accused nationally of sexual violence or rape.
The information emerged during a stakeholder engagement session held on 20 February 2026 as part of the Committee’s Focused Intervention Study assessing police compliance with the Domestic Violence Act. The figures were drawn from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (IPID) 2024/25 Annual Report.
Committee members described the allegations as deeply disturbing, noting that police officers constitutionally mandated to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups are themselves allegedly implicated in serious crimes. The Committee said such conduct represents a betrayal of public trust and undermines confidence in law enforcement institutions.
While condemning the alleged actions in the strongest terms, the Committee also acknowledged that many SAPS officers continue to serve communities with dedication and professionalism under difficult conditions. It emphasised that its oversight work is aimed at strengthening accountability and protecting the credibility of policing institutions rather than undermining morale among officers who serve honourably.
During oversight visits to police stations in Fochville, Ivory Park, Sebokeng, Sharpeville and Mamelodi East, the Committee found that none of the stations achieved full compliance with the Domestic Violence Act. Shortcomings were largely linked to administrative and operational weaknesses, including incomplete documentation, recording errors and misalignment between official police registers.
The Committee warned that although some of these failures may appear procedural, they have serious consequences for victims of domestic violence by affecting the quality, dignity and timeliness of services provided. Concerns were also raised about the shortage of social workers and reduced funding for non-profit organisations that assist victims and support police compliance with domestic violence legislation.
As a result, the Committee has called on the Department of Social Development to prioritise the employment of additional social workers and improve funding support for community organisations that play a critical role in assisting vulnerable victims.
Members further stressed the importance of community vigilance as part of an early warning system to detect and report abuse, urging closer collaboration between residents, law enforcement and social services.
The Portfolio Committee reaffirmed that compliance with the Domestic Violence Act remains non-negotiable and indicated that it will intensify oversight engagements with SAPS leadership and relevant authorities to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in policing across Gauteng.
