July 2021 unrest

The public violence, destruction of property and looting that took place in July 2021 had an immense impact on people’s lives, livelihoods and sense of security.

A report by an expert panel appointed to review our response to the unrest has been released. The security services have been tasked to urgently develop implementation plans that address the panel's recommendations.

Report findings:

Handling of events was inept
Police operational planning was poor
Lack of coordination between state security and intelligence services
Police are not always embedded in the communities they serve

Government is now working on measures to respond to and prevent such turmoil in the future.

Fill critical vacancies in the State Security Agency and Crime Intelligence
Make leadership changes to strengthen our security structures
Address staffing shortcomings at the SAPS public order policing unit

More than 40 alleged instigators of the July 2021 civil unrest have been arrested and appeared in court.

In the media

Crime detection university for SA

A new crime detection university will be situated in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria - to improve the quality of general and specialised police investigations.

Vuk'uzenzele (produced by GCIS)

SAPS training officers to deal with flare-ups similar to July unrest

The SA Police Service says it wants to train 10,000 of its members to be first responders in the event of flare-ups similar to last year's violent looting and civil unrest.

Times Live