KEY POINTS
- South Africa lost 21 police officers between October and December 2024, adding to the 111 officers killed in the 2023/24 financial year.
- Police made 244,951 arrests during the festive season, including suspects for murder, rape, drug dealing, and illegal firearm possession.
- Police Commissioner Masemola urged South Africans to support law enforcement and highlighted efforts to improve officer safety and resources.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has revealed that South Africa lost 21 police officers between October 2024 and December 2024. This alarming statistic underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in a country grappling with high crime rates.
During a briefing on Sunday, Masemola provided an update on police operations over the festive season, highlighting both the successes and challenges faced by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The loss of police officers is not limited to violent crimes. Masemola expressed concern over the growing number of skilled officers leaving the force for better opportunities. Approximately 5,300 officers resign from SAPS annually, creating a significant skills gap. Major-General Leon Rabie, who briefed the Portfolio Committee on Police in November 2023, reported that the country had 185,196 police officers as of September 2023. However, the force continues to shrink due to resignations and the tragic killings of officers.
A Deadly Year for Law Enforcement
The 2023/24 financial year was particularly deadly for police officers, with 111 killed—39 while on duty and 72 off duty. Between October and December 2024 alone, 21 officers were murdered, nine while on duty and 12 off duty. Masemola condemned these attacks, stating, “The ongoing attacks and killing of our men and women in blue cannot continue. This is a crime that requires all of us to stand against and prevent it from happening.”
To address this crisis, the killing of police officers has been classified as a national priority offense, with investigations led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks. During the same period, 30 suspects involved in killing police officers were arrested, with seven convicted and sentenced to a combined 22 life terms and an additional 725 years in prison.
The police’s safer festive season operations, which ran from October 11, 2024, to January 31, 2025, resulted in 244,951 arrests nationwide. These arrests included:
- 4,501 murder and attempted murder suspects,
- 3,983 rape and attempted rape suspects,
- 27,640 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,
- 17,311 suspects for common assault,
- 4,675 suspects for dealing in drugs,
- 27,376 suspects for possession of drugs,
- 10,042 suspects for illegal liquor trading,
- 1,952 suspects for illegal possession of firearms,
- 1,380 suspects for illegal possession of ammunition,
- 9,540 suspects for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and
- 25,950 illegal immigrants.
Masemola emphasized the need for public cooperation in the fight against crime. “We therefore request South Africans to work with us and not against us in this fight to rid our country of callous criminals,” he said. He also highlighted efforts to equip officers with the necessary training, resources, and protective gear to enhance their safety and effectiveness. “We would ultimately like to see a situation where we don’t lose any member in the hands of criminals,” Masemola added.
