26-06-2025
Suspended and spoiled: Taxpayers fork out R5m for benched SAPS officers
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disclosed that 11 SAPS officers remain on suspension with full pay, drawing public concern as vacancies in key policing roles surpass 11,700 nationwide.
In the last three years, South African taxpayers forked out more than R5 million to keep 11 suspended police officers on the South African Police Service (SAPS) payroll.
According to SAPS Minister Senzo Mchunu, as of May 16,2025, the 11 members are on suspension with full pay.
Responding to questions put forward by BOSA, Mchunu detailed the individual suspensions, which include two lieutenant generals, one of whom has been suspended since July 2022, resulting in a cost to SAPS of more than R3.4 million alone.
The reply includes a breakdown of each officer's rank, date of suspension, and the cost to date. The total amount paid to suspended officers stands at R5,020,731.11, according to the Minister.
'There are no unfunded vacancies at South African Police Service,'' said Mchunu.
