Compliance to the Domestic Violence and Police Station Census: CSPS briefing; with Ministry

Video The Portfolio Committee's meeting addressed pressing issues around police compliance with the Domestic Violence Act (DVA), and the broader challenges facing the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Chairperson highlighted the concerning state of the response to domestic violence in the country, emphasising the SAPS’s critical role in supporting victims and enforcing the DVA. Reports from the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service (CSPS) indicated substantial non-compliance across police stations, with deficiencies in filing protection orders, and a lack of availability of victim-friendly resources and proper responses to domestic violence cases. Issues of police misconduct, including officers being both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence, were also discussed. The Committee voiced frustration over SAPS leadership gaps, the lack of accountability, and the slow response to recommendations for improvement. The Minister and Committee Members stressed the need for systemic reforms, proposing strengthened interdepartmental collaboration, mandatory training for officers, mental health support, and more rigorous oversight of SAPS management. Members also pointed out the need for consistent protective measures for domestic violence victims, and urged the development of a strategy that went beyond legal enforcement to address the root causes of violence in communities. Further recommendations included conducting lifestyle audits for senior officers, improving the quality of investigations in domestic violence cases, and ensuring the presence of female officers on all shifts. The meeting underscored an urgent need for decisive action to restore public trust in the SAPS, and to create a safer environment for victims of violence.