Criminals within SAPS: How much do police officers get paid?
The SAPS was also affected by the National Treasury’s budget reductions on employee salaries. What is the earning potential for police officers?
An increasing number of South African Police Service (SAPS) officers are becoming involved in criminal activities, such as life insurance-related murders. This raises the question: are officers not being adequately compensated?
Last Thursday, a 43-year-old police officer based in Limpopo, Sergeant Rachel Shokoane-Kutumela, was arrested for allegedly orchestrating six murders to cash out R10 million in insurance policies.
Before her was the infamous Rosemary Ndlovu, who was sentenced to six life sentences after she was convicted for the murder of five family members and a boyfriend so that she could cash in on life insurance.
HOW MUCH DO SAPS OFFICERS EARN?
According to the SAPS annual report for the 2022-2023 financial year, 179 502 members earn an average salary of R37 500 per month.
The 179 502 officers include active police officers and administrative staff:
- 20,547 commissioned officers;
- 123,896 non-commissioned officers;
- 34,226 Public Service Act employees.
Salaries in the lowest skill level (1-2) are R299 000 per annum, while the average salary rises to R1 431 000 annually at the senior management and executive employee level (13-16).
MASS EXODUS OF SKILLED PERSONNEL
SAPS was not exempted from the National Treasury’s budget cuts on employee compensation; its establishment was progressively decreasing annually,
The police service warned that this would significantly impact its ability to attract, recruit, and retain the best personnel.
In 2023, it was reported that more than 70% of Special Task Force members in KwaZulu-Natal left within a short period of time; therefore, only 15 of the unit’s initial 53 members remain.
To retain members in the elite Special Task Force and National Intervention Unit (NIU), SAPS has increased danger pay from R4000 to R21000 on their monthly salaries.
Newly appointed police minister Senzo Mchunu revealed that over 500 detectives have left the SAPS in nine months.
As a result, the SAPS has launched a recruitment drive targeting former police officers who left the service in good standing. This initiative aims to boost its detective capacity.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in the 2023-2024 financial year, SAPS re-enlisted more than 200 former police officers who are now serving as detectives.
Mathe said successful candidates will be appointed in the ranks they previously held, only for the ranks of Constable, Sergeant and Warrant Officer. The posts are for former members who previously held the ranks of Constable, Sergeant and Warrant Officer only.
Here’s how much they will earn:
- Constable – R226 188 per annum
- Sergeant – R283 797 per annum
- Warrant Officer – R351 570 per annum
WHAT COULD BE DRIVING MEMBERS AWAY?
Former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen said inadequate remuneration is the reason behind the exodus of skilled SAPS personnel.
Speaking to Newsroom Afrika, Booysen said South Africa, which has one of the highest crime rates in the world, has a shortage of detectives. As a result, peer work pressure makes it impossible for detectives to perform their duties well.
Booysen said that despite their hard work, detectives aren’t earning much, and SAPS would have to look into this.