SAPS re-enlists 59 retired detectives to combat rising crime in KwaZulu-Natal

THE KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken a step towards bolstering its investigative capacity by officially reenlisting 59 retired detectives.

- KAREN SINGH

The move, aimed at tackling high levels of violent crime and mounting case backlogs, has been widely welcomed by policing experts and union bodies, though calls for more sustainable, long-term solutions persist.

The reenlistment drive culminated in a formal welcome on Friday by the KZN acting deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Anthony Gopaul, for the 59 experienced personnel.

While some of the returning detectives had already begun working in November 2025, the ceremony served to formally reintegrate them into the service.

Addressing the cohort, Major General Gopaul underscored the seriousness of their task, stating that the people of South Africa deserve justice that can be achieved when their cases are thoroughly investigated.

“You have been here before, you know what is expected of you. What I can tell you now is that accountability is nonnegotiable, professionalism is a must, and no case must go cold under your watch,’ he stated.

The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that all the reenlisted detectives had retired from the service in good standing.

Then Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu disclosed in a parliamentary response to Build One South Africa (BOSA) last year that SAPS faces a national shortage of 2 344 detectives.