Paid To Sit At Home: Cachalia Says Over R25m Spent On Salaries For Suspended Cops

More than R25 million has been spent paying salaries to suspended police officers between 2024 and 2025, including members facing serious criminal charges such as corruption, robbery, rape and hijacking.

The staggering figure was revealed by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and has sparked renewed outrage over accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Cachalia Reveals 25 Million Paid to Suspended SAPS Members

Cachalia disclosed the figure in a written reply to a parliamentary question posed by Rise Mzansi National Assembly chief whip Makashule Gana.

The minister said it was deeply concerning that SAPS continues to carry the financial burden of officers accused of gross misconduct.

He added that it is unacceptable for such serious allegations to exist within the police service, particularly while affected officers continue to draw full salaries during lengthy suspension periods.

Officers Facing Rape, Corruption and Hijacking Charges

According to the response, the suspended officers are facing a range of serious criminal charges, including corruption, robbery, rape and hijacking — offences that directly undermine public trust in law enforcement.

Gana warned that the situation is likely to worsen, noting that the current financial year has not yet concluded.

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“It can, therefore, be predicted that the 2025/26 figure will outstrip the 2024/25 figure, given that the former financial year has yet to close,” he said.

‘Crimes That Strike at the Heart of Public Trust’

Gana said what is most alarming is not only the amount of money paid, but the severity of the charges faced by the suspended officers.

“What is even more alarming than the millions paid is the nature of the charges these officers face… crimes that strike at the very heart of public trust. And yet, they continue to receive full salaries while suspended,” he said.

He has now called for a detailed briefing from SAPS senior management and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to explain the prolonged suspensions and delays in finalising cases.

The revelations have intensified calls for faster disciplinary processes and stronger accountability within the police service.

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