Statement by Mzamo Billy MP – DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice:
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has uncovered alarming detective shortages and resource constraints at some of eThekwini’s busiest police stations following parliamentary oversight visits to Inanda SAPS, Phoenix SAPS and Durban Central SAPS.
The oversight, conducted as part of my work on the NCOP Select Committee on Security and Justice, paints a concerning picture of a policing system struggling to keep pace with the demands of investigating crime in some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most crime-affected communities.
The visits revealed that Inanda SAPS has 63 detectives, Phoenix SAPS 59 detectives, and Durban Central SAPS 124 detectives. Despite these numbers, detectives at these stations are carrying an average caseload of approximately 180 cases each, including serious and complex crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery and organised crime-related offences.
Particularly concerning is the situation at Inanda SAPS, where approximately 1,300 murder cases are currently under investigation. Such caseloads raise serious questions about the ability of detectives to thoroughly investigate cases and deliver justice for victims.
The oversight also revealed severe operational challenges affecting policing effectiveness. At Inanda SAPS, police members reported non-functioning two-way radios and telephone systems, forcing officers to rely on personal cellphones to communicate, including during operational activities. In addition, more than 40 detectives at the station reportedly do not have access to computers required to perform their duties effectively.
On the issue of illegal firearms, the three stations collectively recovered 301 illegal firearms over the past year. While this demonstrates positive enforcement efforts by SAPS members on the ground, it also highlights the scale of illegal firearm proliferation within our communities and the ongoing threat posed by armed criminals.
The oversight further revealed that significant delays at forensic laboratories continue to hamper investigations. Challenges relating to ballistic testing, toxicology reports, drug analysis and post-mortem processes were repeatedly raised. In Phoenix, concerns were raised that post-mortem reports are still being completed manually due to administrative capacity constraints, creating additional delays and complications for investigators and prosecutors.
These findings point to systemic challenges that undermine effective policing, weaken criminal investigations, delay justice for victims, and place additional pressure on already overstretched police personnel.
The DA has formally written to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, requesting a detailed response to these findings and urgent intervention to address the shortcomings identified during the oversight visits.
South Africans deserve a police service that is properly resourced, supported and equipped to investigate crime effectively. The victims of crime deserve answers, justice and confidence that the criminal justice system is working in their interests.
The DA will continue to use every oversight mechanism available to ensure accountability and drive improvements in policing and community safety.
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