South Africa Police Budget Rises to 8 Billion Rand by 2028/29

Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia told Parliament on Tuesday that the South African Police Service budget will reach 8 billion rand by the 2028/29 financial year. The allocation for 2026/27 supports officers working under difficult conditions and funds basic public safety functions across communities, Cachalia said.

Cachalia reaffirmed the government's commitment to stronger border security and enforcement of immigration laws.

He stated that only SAPS and the Border Management Authority are authorised to arrest people for immigration offences. "Our country's sovereignty and the rule of law are not negotiable," Cachalia said. Cachalia condemned violent protests targeting foreign nationals.

He said such attacks damage South Africa's regional and global standing, limit foreign investment, and undermine cooperation with neighbours on organised crime and cross-border trafficking. "We condemn any violent protest action targeting people from other countries," he said. Police will continue to act against both illegal immigration and those who resort to violence during protests, he added.

The Acting National Commissioner announced the suspension of an additional five senior police officers on Tuesday under an internal SAPS investigation. Cachalia said the suspensions align with the Police Reset Agenda and that he and the commissioner are pursuing consequence management. Cachalia paid tribute to officers killed or injured in the line of duty.

He cited the deaths of Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo of Crime Intelligence, who were attacked by armed men while on duty in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal. Captain Nel died at the scene. Sergeant Khuzwayo succumbed to his injuries 25 days later.