By Puisano News Reporter
The Democratic Alliance in the Free State said it is deeply concerned by revelations that 29 South African Police Service (SAPS) members in the Free State have taken their own lives between 2021 and 2025.
The party said this shocking statistic, was confirmed in a reply to a question in the Free State Legislature by the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Mr Jabu Mbalula, is a clear indication of the dire state of police support in the province.
“Oversight visits to SAPS stations and interactions with individual members of the SAPS indicate that they are working under very stressful conditions. Officers are expected to deliver results while working with severely inadequate resources such as vehicles, computers, printers and basic equipment. They operate in dilapidated buildings that undermine professionalism and are often subjected to bullying, victimisation and a complete lack of empathy from senior management” said Roy Jankielsohn DA Spokesperson on Community Safety in the Free State Legislature
Jankielsohn said other stressful conditions officers face include, lack of trauma management, lack of promotions, stressful work environments and high case loads.
“The lack of ongoing training and support has limited the effectiveness of the SAPS to the extent that many law-abiding residents are losing trust in the SAPS to win the battle against crime” added Jankielsohn.
