Police Reservist policy currently under review – Minister Mthethwa

The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa is currently reviewing the reservist policy in order to improve various systems for utilisation and management of reservists, as well as adopting new criteria for selection. Once this review is finalised and approved by the Minister, it would ensure that there is better coordination, coordinating and planning in intensifying the fight against crime.

This was revealed by the Minister in response to a Parliamentary question on whether a second moratorium has been placed or intentions thereof on the enlistment of police reservists in the South African Police Service (SAPS) as well as how many such reservists are currently enlisted with the SAPS.

A moratorium on the recruitment of reservists was in place from 1 April 2009 until 10 December 2009, when it was uplifted by the Minister. “However since the upliftment, SAPS has not enlisted new reservists pending a review of this system. I also have no intention to place a further moratorium and reservists will be enlisted in terms of the new criteria once the new policy has been finalised and implemented.”

“We have experienced both successes and at times teething challenges in the past with some of our police reservists. We commend the valuable contribution of some of the dedicated reservists in helping us deal a blow to crime. At the same time, we have unfortunately experienced certain challenges with others, including those who demanded automatic integration into the SAPS. Moving forward, we want to be clear on what is expected from a reservist.”

The ministry’s official position was clarified during engagements with the reservists’ representatives and through public platforms. We emphasised that we would not follow the process of automatic integration into the SAPS, but that the enlistment process would be conducted and assessed on an individual basis, not a collective group. “We even went a step further and re-evaluated and relaxed some of the requirements in order to accommodate some of these reservists in their employment as permanent SAPS employees,” added the Minister.

The current establishment of police reservists in each province is as follows:

New reservists enlisted in the period January 2009 to March 2009 are as follows:

For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi
Spokesperson to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Police
Cell: 082 045 4024