Zuko Komisa

Over 300 policemen have left the SAPS as a result of death by suicide and murder since 2017.
In light of the 300 police officers who have died by suicide over the previous seven years, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has reported an “unfortunate incident” involving members of the SA Police Service that resulted in two deaths in a murder-suicide.
POPCRU has said in a statement that “there are claims of lack of confidentiality, and that there are no regular visits to victims.” and that there is additionally a stigma amongst officers to make use of the services, due to claims that it will limit “individuals’ upward mobility within the ranks.”
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, it was reported that a police sergeant in Polokwane’s Westernburg policing area had shot and killed a former police officer as well as seriously injured a Brigadier. After the incident, the sergeant had taken his own life with a service gun.
According to POPCRU, there is no way to separate an officer’s well-being from the larger context in which they work. Although the SAPS implemented Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) programs to enhance members’ mental health, the programs’ goals have not been met, according to the results.
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