SAPS Fails to Train Detectives in Digital Forensics Amid Rising Cybercrime

• •SAPS has not provided digital forensics training to detectives in high-crime areas for over a year.
• •The lack of training increases the risk of mishandling digital evidence, jeopardizing investigations.
• •SAPS faces significant staffing shortages, with thousands of detective positions unfilled.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has not provided any digital forensics training to detectives at the country's highest-crime police stations over the past year. This lack of training occurs as cybercrime, including online scams and identity theft, is rapidly increasing. Between April 1, 2025, and February 27, 2026, not a single detective at the Top 35 highest-crime police stations received such training. The DA plans to address this issue with the Acting Minister of Police, seeking clarity on SAPS's plans to enhance digital investigation capabilities. The absence of training poses serious risks, as detectives may mishandle digital evidence, making it inadmissible in court. Additionally, there are significant staffing shortages within SAPS, with only 2,480 of the 3,496 funded detective posts filled. The situation leaves SAPS ill-equipped to combat modern cybercrime effectively.