Under resourced police officers face overwhelming workload

CALL FOR REFORM

- GCWALISILE KHANYILE

SOUTH African police officers are under pressure with one officer having to serve nearly half a million people, and the workload resulting in mental health issues, according to experts.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said South Africa has more than 180000 police officers. However, according to the latest SAPS annual report, more than 30000 of these are administrative support, leaving just above 150000 trained police officers who are responsible for crime fighting.

Lesiba Thobakgale, spokesperson for the South African Policing Union (Sapu), said the ratio of police officers to the population is much higher than the recommended ratio determined by the United Nations of 1:220.

"Police are underpaid, and the risks they are exposed to are high. However, we appreciate improvements in conditions of service like service allowances, which need to be improved further."

Thobakgale added that the Employee Health and Wellness component should be equipped with necessary professionals who can debrief members after a traumatic event, because mental health is critical given the job's stressful nature. Dr Johan Burger, an independent crime and policing consultant, said the SAPS is under constant pressure to reduce and prevent crime, but are constrained by various factors.