Public trust is the foundation of effective policing in any society.
When citizens believe in the integrity, fairness, and competence of their police force, cooperation increases, and communities become safer.
However, recent findings from the latest South African Social Attitudes Survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), reveal a deeply troubling trend.
Confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS) has plummeted to an unprecedented low of just 22%.

This historic decline in trust reflects a growing disillusionment among South Africans with law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting them.
The survey, which has tracked public sentiment since 2003, offers a sobering look at how the relationship between the police and the public has deteriorated over the past two decades.

Between 1998 and 2010, trust in the SAPS remained relatively stable, averaging between 39% and 42%.
During this period, South Africa was grappling with the post-apartheid transition, and the police service was undergoing reforms to shed its legacy of oppression.
Despite challenges, public confidence hovered around moderate levels, signaling cautious optimism.

However, the situation took a sharp turn following the tragic events of the 2012 Marikana massacre.
In this incident, police opened fire on striking miners, killing 34 and injuring many others.
The massacre sent shockwaves through the nation and severely damaged the reputation of the SAPS.
Public trust began to erode rapidly, as many South Africans questioned the police’s use of force and accountability.

By 2015, there were signs of recovery in confidence, suggesting that some efforts to rebuild trust were bearing fruit.
Yet, this positive trend was short-lived.
Between 2016 and 2020, trust levels stagnated and hovered between 31% and 35%.
This plateau indicated a persistent skepticism toward the police, with many citizens remaining unconvinced that meaningful change had taken place.

The year 2021 marked another significant setback.
Trust in the SAPS dropped further to 27%, a decline researchers attribute to the July unrest that year.
The unrest, characterized by widespread violence and looting, exposed weaknesses in the police’s ability to maintain order and protect communities.
Criticism mounted over the SAPS’s response, with accusations of inefficiency and lack of preparedness.

In 2022, public confidence declined by an additional five percentage points, settling at the current historic low of 22%.
This level of distrust is alarming and unprecedented in the history of South African policing.
It signals a profound crisis that threatens the legitimacy and effectiveness of the SAPS.

The HSRC’s findings also highlight a long-standing issue: over the 27-year period surveyed, a majority of South Africans have never expressed consistent trust in the police.
This chronic lack of confidence points to systemic problems within the SAPS that have yet to be adequately addressed.
Issues such as corruption, poor accountability, and allegations of misconduct continue to plague the service.

The erosion of trust in law enforcement has serious implications for public safety and social cohesion.
When citizens distrust the police, they are less likely to report crimes, cooperate with investigations, or comply with law enforcement directives.
This breakdown in cooperation can lead to increased crime rates and a cycle of violence and insecurity.

Moreover, the perception of the SAPS as an institution lacking legitimacy undermines the rule of law.
It challenges the fundamental principle that the police serve the community and uphold justice impartially.
Without public trust, the police risk becoming isolated and ineffective, unable to fulfill their core mandate.

The latest survey results come amid renewed calls for a judicial inquiry into policing in South Africa.
Many stakeholders, including civil society groups, political leaders, and community activists, are demanding a thorough investigation into the SAPS’s conduct and governance.
They argue that only a transparent and independent inquiry can restore confidence and hold those responsible for failures accountable.

Addressing the crisis of trust requires comprehensive reforms within the SAPS.
These reforms must go beyond superficial changes and tackle root causes such as corruption, abuse of power, and inadequate training.
Strengthening internal oversight mechanisms and ensuring accountability for misconduct are critical steps.

Community policing initiatives also offer a pathway to rebuilding trust.
By fostering closer relationships between officers and the communities they serve, the SAPS can improve communication, understanding, and cooperation.
Empowering local structures and promoting inclusivity in policing strategies are essential components of this approach.

Transparency and communication are equally important.
The SAPS must engage openly with the public, providing regular updates on crime trends, investigations, and reform efforts.
Building a culture of openness can help dispel misinformation and demonstrate a commitment to change.

In addition, addressing broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality is vital.
These factors often contribute to crime and social unrest, placing additional pressure on the police.
A holistic approach that includes social development alongside policing reforms will be more effective in creating safe and resilient communities.

The role of political leadership cannot be overstated.
Government officials must prioritize police reform and provide the necessary resources and support.
They must also ensure that the SAPS operates independently and free from political interference.

The public also has a role to play.
Citizens should participate actively in community safety initiatives and hold law enforcement accountable through democratic processes.
Building mutual respect and understanding between the police and the public is a shared responsibility.

The historic low of 22% trust in the SAPS is a wake-up call for South Africa.
It highlights the urgent need for transformative change in policing.
Without decisive action, the downward spiral of confidence may continue, with detrimental consequences for the country’s stability and development.

Restoring trust will not be easy or quick.
It requires sustained commitment, transparency, and collaboration among all stakeholders.
However, the potential rewards are immense—a safer society where justice prevails and citizens feel protected and valued.

In conclusion, the latest South African Social Attitudes Survey paints a stark picture of the current state of public trust in the SAPS.
The plunge to a historic low of 22% reflects deep-rooted challenges and a crisis of legitimacy.
Addressing this crisis demands bold reforms, community engagement, and political will.

South Africa stands at a crossroads in its policing journey.
The choices made now will shape the future of law enforcement and public safety for generations to come.
It is a moment for reflection, action, and hope that the SAPS can regain the trust of the people it serves.