Build One South Africa (BOSA) has raised alarm over what it calls a “shocking collapse of accountability” within law enforcement after new data revealed that fewer than 5% of police officers accused of murder and rape have been referred for prosecution.

According to a written parliamentary reply by Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) had 14,907 open misconduct cases involving South African Police Service (SAPS) officers as of May 31, 2025.

These included 1,486 deaths linked to police action and 97 cases of rape allegedly committed by police officers.

BOSA spokesperson Roger Solomons said the statistics paint a disturbing picture of police abuse and a justice system failing victims.

“Each of the almost 15,000 open misconduct cases reflects a violation of citizens’ rights by those sworn to uphold the law,” Solomons said.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, IPID has referred only 59 of the death cases and just 9 of the rape cases to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), less than 5% of cases under investigation.

“What is unsettling is that justice remains elusive for victims,” Solomons stated.

“IPID has managed to refer just 59 death cases and 9 rape cases to the NPA, which is less than 5% of the cases under investigation.”

Minister Cachalia’s reply further confirmed that not a single conviction has been secured from these newly reported investigations.

While eight convictions were recorded between April and June this year, BOSA noted these were linked to older cases and do not reflect progress in the current backlog of more than 14,000 open cases.

“This means that hundreds of South Africans have died at the hands of police or been sexually assaulted by officers, yet the overwhelming majority of perpetrators remain unpunished,” Solomons said.

“There is an accountability deficit within SAPS and the oversight bodies meant to police them.”

In response, BOSA announced it will write to Ian Cameron MP, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, demanding urgent hearings with IPID leadership.

The party wants IPID executives summoned to explain the collapse in investigations and provide a plan to fix systemic failures. BOSA said the meeting must address:

Capacity shortfalls within IPID that delay investigations and referrals, and Reforms to ensure faster prosecutions and stronger oversight of police misconduct.

“The South African public cannot be expected to trust a police service that appears unable or unwilling to police itself,” Solomons warned.

“It is time for Parliament to step up and step in.”

IOL News

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