By Priya Ranchod
South Africa's police watchdog registered more than 5,200 cases of police misconduct during the 2025/26 financial year, with hundreds linked to Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability within law enforcement.
The figures were revealed when Police Minister Firoz Cachalia tabled the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) 2025/26 Annual Report in the National Assembly on 30 September 2026. The report paints a concerning picture of alleged misconduct by police officers across the country, while also reflecting progress in criminal convictions secured through IPID investigations.
According to the report, IPID registered 5,259 cases during the period under review. Assault and torture remained the leading complaints, accounting for 3,468 cases. These were followed by 669 incidents involving the discharge of official firearms and 464 deaths resulting from police action.
The Western Cape recorded the highest number of reported cases at 905, followed closely by Gauteng with 898. KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape registered 722 and 717 cases respectively, making them the other major hotspots identified by the directorate.
A significant concern remains cases linked to GBVF. Of the total matters reported to IPID, 332 were GBVF related. These included 122 referrals, largely involving domestic violence complaints, 116 allegations of rape by police officers, 58 cases of assault and torture, 24 murders and 10 incidents involving the discharge of official firearms.
KwaZulu Natal emerged as the province with the highest number of GBVF related cases at 60, followed by Gauteng with 58 and the Free State with 52. The Eastern Cape and Northern Cape each recorded 27 cases.
Several police stations stood out for the number of GBVF matters reported. Kimberley in the Northern Cape and Marianhill in KwaZulu Natal each recorded seven cases, while Madadeni registered six. Phoenix, Humewood and Welkom each recorded five cases.
The annual report also revealed a worrying increase in rape allegations against police officers. IPID recorded 116 rape cases during 2025/26, compared with 95 cases in the previous financial year. Of these, 72 involved officers who were on duty at the time of the alleged offences, while 44 involved off duty officers.
Despite the challenges, IPID reported major gains in securing justice against offending officers. The directorate secured 84 criminal convictions during the year, representing an increase of almost 50 per cent from the 43 convictions achieved in the previous reporting period. Sentences handed down by the courts ranged from several months' imprisonment to life sentences.
Notably, 26 of the 84 convictions were linked to GBVF related offences.
IPID also intensified its enforcement efforts, carrying out 281 arrests during the year. Investigators exercise their powers under the Criminal Procedure Act and the IPID Act to pursue criminal cases against officers implicated in wrongdoing.
By 31 March 2026, a total of 994 cases arising from IPID investigations had been enrolled in courts following recommendations to the National Prosecuting Authority to institute criminal proceedings against police officials.
The directorate further reported progress in disciplinary processes within the South African Police Service. During the reporting period, 277 disciplinary recommendations were concluded by SAPS, with sanctions ranging from written warnings to dismissals.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the organisation remains committed to holding police officers accountable through independent and impartial investigations.
"IPID remains guided by the principles of independence, thoroughness, accountability, integrity and quality investigations. Our work is focused on ensuring that allegations of police misconduct are investigated fairly and that perpetrators are held accountable in line with the law."
Minister Cachalia stressed that public confidence remains central to effective policing and said IPID continues to play a crucial role in strengthening professionalism within law enforcement.
As South Africa continues to confront high levels of crime and violence, the latest figures serve as both a warning and a reminder that accountability within policing remains essential to building public trust, protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring justice for victims.
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