The SAPS is taking measures to address the significant capacity shortages within its Crime Intelligence Division and Detective Services. 

This emerged in parliamentary replies by the Police Ministry following enquiries from MK Party Member of Parliament Sanele Mwali, who sought clarity on current vacancies and recruitment strategies within these crucial branches of law enforcement.

Mwali enquired about the steps the SAPS has taken to address the capacity shortages in the Crime Intelligence and Detective Services.                                        

He also asked about the detailed breakdown of the current number of vacant posts and duration of the specified vacancies in the Intelligence Division.

In its response to Mwali’s inquiry, the ministry would not be drawn into divulging information relating to the vacancies within the Crime Intelligence Division.

It said doing so may reveal vulnerabilities that may compromise the capability’s operational effectiveness.

“The requested information should be directed to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, which is the Parliamentary Oversight Body, for all intelligence capabilities in the country,” reads the written reply.

However, the Police Ministry said 3,469 entry-level constables currently under training will be placed within Detective Services upon the completion of their training.

“A further 1,200 posts at the levels of constable, sergeant and warrant officer within detective services are in the process of being filled through the re-enlistment and lateral transfer of members, whilst 353 former detectives will be appointed on contract.

“A further four posts were advertised in the senior management service in the Detective Service, for filling, whilst critical vacant posts on supervisory level will be earmarked for advertisement for filling through post promotion (warrant officer to colonel) within the Detective Service, still within the current financial year.”

In addition, the Police Ministry said the SAPS has taken the steps to address capacity shortages in the crime intelligence unit.

The ministry said 300 entry-level constables currently under training will be placed within the Crime Intelligence Division upon the completion of their training.

It also said that Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia assumed duty in August and a report for the advertisement of 13 vacant posts in the senior management service will be submitted for consideration.

“A further 221 posts are planned to be advertised for filling through post promotion at supervisory level (Warrant Officer up to Colonel) within the Division: Crime Intelligence.”

The police have experienced vacancies within the Crime Intelligence Division that could not be filled this year.

In December, Minister Senzo Mchunu gave a directive to national commissioner Fannie Masemola to immediately halt all processes to fill vacant posts in the division.

Mchunu had stated that the non-filling of posts should apply to all posts in the provinces, including the provincial heads of intelligence that were vacant at the time.

“This should be the position until substantive discussion between the minister and the national commissioner takes place sometime early next year,” read Mchunu’s directive dated December 31, 2024.

Mchunu conceded the impact of his directive in a parliamentary response to questions posed by Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana in March this year.

Gana had asked about the number of vacancies that were affected his directive to halt recruitment in the Crime Intelligence Division and the impact on crime-fighting efforts.

Mchunu responded at the time that six senior management posts and 12 social media specialist posts were vacant.

“There is an impact, considering that the provincial heads of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape, are included in the abovementioned critical posts, however, these posts will soon be filled,” he said in his reply.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za

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