By Levy Masiteng
A total of 224 SAPS members were charged in relation to detainee escape cases between 1 April and 31 December 2025, but only 33 disciplinary hearings were finalised, a finalisation rate of 27.96%, Parliament’s Select Committee on Security and Justice has been told.
A total of 284 detainees escaped from police custody over the same period, according to a South African Police Service (SAPS) presentation made to committee members.
Escape incidents declined by 9.29% from 226 in 2024 to 205 in 2025, but the number of individuals who escaped increased by 7.74%, from 262 to 284.
The number of re arrested escapees increased from 76 to 82.
Police cells recorded the highest number of escapees.
Police cells accounted for 28 escape incidents, with 52 detainees escaping.
Wrongful releases at courts and police stations recorded 25 incidents, involving 35 detainees. Court cells had 23 incidents, with 33 detainees escaping, while escapes in transit accounted for 18 incidents and 32 detainees.
“Fifty percent of escapes are attributed to human and procedural factors, including non compliance with national instructions and directives designed to prevent escapes,” the presentation reads.
Police also pointed to delays in transferring undocumented persons awaiting deportation to detention facilities managed by the Department of Home Affairs as a contributing factor.
Old infrastructure and shortages of critical resources were also cited as factors that continue to strain operations, while stricter discipline, effective supervision and clear accountability across all command levels are required to curb the problem.
Committee chairperson Jane Mananiso said escapes from lawful custody undermine public confidence in law enforcement and pose a direct threat to community safety.
“We need to intervene if human error is the issue, possibly through automation,” she said. “It also appears that SAPS lacks a clear strategy for consequence management. If cases are not accounted for, there is no plan to address officials who default within the system.”
KwaZulu Natal recorded the highest number of members charged, at 68. Of these, 37 cases remain on hand, with only five disciplinary proceedings finalised and 32 still pending.
The Free State followed, with 43 members charged. The province has 17 cases on hand, four finalised and 10 pending.
Gauteng recorded 39 members charged, with 26 cases on hand. Thirteen disciplinary proceedings have been finalised and 13 remain pending.
North West reported four members charged, three cases on hand, no finalised disciplinary proceedings and three pending cases.
Mananiso expressed concern about shortcomings in consequence management, particularly unaccounted cases.
“If cases are not accounted for, there is no clear plan to deal with officials who default. We cannot allow a situation where accountability mechanisms fail while communities are left vulnerable,” she said.
The committee said it would intensify oversight to ensure SAPS strengthens preventative and accountability measures.
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