From Daily Maverick · Caryn Dolley · · 2m
Police detectives drowning in 800 cases each
South Africa's Auditor-General finds detectives overwhelmed and forensic labs crippled despite billions in spending.
In brief
South Africa's Auditor-General finds detectives overwhelmed and forensic labs crippled despite billions in spending. The Auditor-General found South African police detectives managing 600 to 800 cases each with forensic services undermined by broken equipment and expired contracts, despite full budget spending…
Detectives juggling hundreds of cases
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South African police detectives are managing between 600 and 800 dockets each, according to the Auditor-General's presentation to Parliament on Friday, 2 October 2026.
Full budget, only 63% of targets met
The SAPS spent its full 2025 to 2026 budget of R15.5-billion on detective services but achieved only 63% of its performance targets, the Auditor-General found.
“Underachievement, despite full budget spending, suggests resources are not translating into intended operational results.”
Massive backlog of unresolved cases
Eight audited policing districts showed 114,378 unresolved contact-crime cases at year start, with 43% carried forward from the prior year. Only 37% led to arrests and court proceedings.
Inexperienced detectives handling heavy loads
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Of the country's 3,294 detectives, 1,227 have five years or less in service. Newly appointed detectives with limited experience manage substantial caseloads with limited mentorship and support.
Forensic labs spent full budget, achieved one-third
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Police Forensic Science Laboratories spent their full R1.7-billion budget but achieved only a third of performance targets. Expired contracts and missing equipment are undermining service delivery.
Broken computers and missing DNA equipment
A significant number of computers in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape are outdated or not functioning. StarPlus DNA isolation robots cannot operate because necessary tubes are unavailable.
Unused contract exposes police to legal risk
Three years ago, the SAPS awarded a five-year contract for semi-automated DNA processing consumables that has never been used. This exposes police to possible breach-of-contract claims and financial loss.
Delays in justice for victims and accused
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Forensic evidence processing delays add to case backlogs and result in case withdrawals due to unavailable evidence. This ultimately delays justice for both victims and accused persons.
“Ultimately, this delays justice for both victims and accused persons.”
Police pursue multi-year reset agenda
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the reset agenda requires a multi-year turnaround strategy consistently implemented. Actions this financial year should build foundations for a strengthened SAPS.
“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.”
In short
The Auditor-General found South African police detectives managing 600 to 800 cases each with forensic services undermined by broken equipment and expired contracts, despite full budget spending.
