Public trust in police at its lowest in three-decades

POLICE trust in South Africa has reached its lowest level in 27 years, according to a Social Attitudes Survey released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Monday.

- HOPE NTANZI

The findings come amid a growing political crisis following damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The survey shows that only 22% of South Africans expressed confidence in the police in 2022, with similarly low levels recorded in 2023 and 2024/25.

This is the worst confidence ratings since data collection began in 1998.

“A majority of the adult public never expressed trust in the police,” said Dr Benjamin Roberts, HSRC research director and principal investigator.

“The findings are expected to inform interventions aimed at restoring public faith in the police. By adopting a more community-focused and accountable approach to policing, we can work towards creating safer and more secure communities for all South Africans.”

Trust in the SAPS has been low for decades. Between 1998 and 2010, trust levels hovered between 39% and 42%. Confidence fell sharply after the 2012 Marikana massacre and dipped even lower following the July 2021 unrest, when only 27% of respondents expressed trust in the police, he said.