Mchunu tables SAPS’s R120.8 billion Budget to combat crime surge

By Johnathan Paoli

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has presented his department’s 2025/26 policing budget, reflecting what he says is a commitment to urgency, reform and restoring public safety.

Mchunu tabled the budget in the National Assembly on Friday, outlining a sweeping R120.8 billion allocation aimed at tackling South Africa’s worsening crime crisis.

“We are committed to the realisation of a South African Police Service that is effective, efficient, responsive, and professional. A service that inspires public trust and delivers safety and justice to all South Africans,” the minister said.

Mchunu announced ten policing priorities under four key areas: reducing murder, combating illegal firearms and drug syndicates, intensifying efforts against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and addressing corruption within the SAPS ranks.

Additional focus areas include gang violence, stock theft, illegal mining, cash-in-transit heists, and illegal immigration.

To enable delivery, the minister emphasised five enablers: enhancing technology, bolstering crime intelligence, upskilling