Over 280 Court Cases Dismissed Due to Police Inefficiencies in Western Cape

The Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety's (POCS) recent reports have revealed a worrying incidence of inefficiencies within the South African Police Service that have led to the dismissal of 283 cases across 33 courts in the province. These cases, linked to 82 SAPS stations, were dismissed between October 2022 and March 2023.

Out of these, 153 cases were in the third quarter, monitored in 15 courts covering 40 SAPS stations, and 130 were in the fourth quarter across 18 courts, covering 42 SAPS stations. Worryingly, the report includes a post-monitoring brief of what was initially 117 requested murder dockets, that was reduced to 84 due to struck-off cases related to inefficiencies in investigation.

Of these 283 cases, 77 pertain to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the remaining 206 concerning crimes ranging from assault causing grievous bodily harm to murder, aggravated robbery, drug-related offenses, and illegal possession of firearms.

In reaction to the startling statistics, Reagen Allen, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, expressed deep concern over the failing system, particularly as the victims affected are real people let down by the justice system. He has promised to engage with relevant officials, including SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, to ensure accountability and oversight over the situation. Also in focus would be the establishment of an improvement plan for SAPS to minimize cases being struck off due to inefficiencies.