Mkhwanazi’s allegations won’t do trust in SAPS any favours – Researcher at HSRC
Research shows that over the last 27 years most South Africans have never trusted the police.
FILE: SAPS members. Picture: © ruramos/123rf.com
CapeTalk’s Clarence Ford speaks with Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, Senior Researcher in the Developmental, Capable and Ethical State research division of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
Listen below:
A recent study by the Human Sciences Research Council reveals that trust in the South African Police Service is at an all-time low.
For the past 3 years only 22% of South Africans have expressed trust in the police.
While this is the lowest public trust has been, the survey also showed that it started from a low base.
Between 1998 and 2010 public trust in police ranged between 39% and 42%.
Mchunu says public trust plummeted after the unrest in 2021, and the current allegations by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will likely do more damage.
“It definitely won’t do trust in the police any favours.”
- Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, Senior Researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (IN: 01:14)
RELATED: Only 22% of South Africans trust SAPS - report
He says public trust is lowest in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng with trust being around 18%.
“Citizens no longer see police as a legitimate source to seek protection or shelter. Instead, they end up accessing police services mostly for insurance purposes.”
- Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, Senior Researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (IN: 04:45)
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