SA police struggle with heavy workload and mental health issues

SAPS officers are under pressure with one person having to cater to nearly half a million population, and the workload resulting in mental health issues, according to experts.

- GCWALISILE KHANYILE

National Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said South Africa has more than 180 000 officers.

However, according to the latest SAPS annual report, more than 30 000 of these are administrative support employed under the Public Service Act, which leaves the SAPS with just above 150 000 trained police officers who are responsible for crime fighting and employed under the SAPS Act.

The numbers show that each officer has to look after more than 400 000 people. Lesiba Thobakgale, spokesperson for the South African Policing Union (SAPU), said police are overworked as the SAPS is underresourced both on the physical and human capital front, versus the population of South Africa.

"There is more that needs to be done to protect police officers, as we still see police station attacks and police killings. The SAPS issued guidelines in terms of police safety, which are insufficient," Thobakgale said.