SAPS legal division examining all claims of wrongful arrest, says Masemola
This follows a report that over 4,000 claims of wrongful arrest have been lodged against the State in the 2023/2024 financial year.
National SAPS Commissioner Fannie Masemola addresses the National Joint Operational Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) ahead of their deployment for the Opening of Parliament (OPA) on 18 July 2024. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says the South African Police Service (SAPS) legal division is interrogating all the wrongful arrest claims that have been lodged.
This follows a report that over 4,000 claims of wrongful arrest have been lodged against the State in the 2023/2024 financial year.
These claims have the potential of costing the State around R2 billion.
Masemola clarified that the police service had not yet paid these claims.
He said each case is treated on merit, which will determine if the SAPS needs to settle or defend the matter further.
"Remember, for the past financial year, we have arrested over 850,000 people. So, 4,000+ alleged unlawful arrests is very minute and it's also not to say we have paid them, they will still be litigated."