The Effect of the South African Police Service on Policing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa

The Effect of the South African Police Service on Policing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa

Mmakwena Modipa & Moses Motseki

Issue: Vol. 7 No.1 2026 Article 22 pp.291 – 297
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267122| Published online 27th February 2026

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ABSTRACT

On 15 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national disaster and implemented stringent measures under the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002) to curb its impact. Following this declaration, the mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was extended to include enforcement of regulations outlined in the Disaster Management Act, 2000. This study explores the role of SAPS in police response during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study employed a systematic review as a non-empirical research design to analyse the relevant literature in detail. Key findings revealed that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) played a crucial role in supporting the police, serving as a force multiplier with an increased authoritative presence in communities. However, while the initial deployment was well received, it soon became clear that they lacked the training and resources necessary to provide the expected level of assistance. Based on these findings, the study recommends that SAPS leverage the existing and proven structure of JOINTS rather than creating or activating additional structures. Furthermore, policy measures should be developed to promote collaboration among all stakeholders involved. Lastly, it is recommended that police officers receive comprehensive training on newly introduced legislation before deployment to ensure effective enforcement. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge in terms of combating crime, policy formulations, legislations and law enforcement.

Keywords: COVID-19, South African police services, Investigation, legislation, South Africa.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Legislative and Consitutional Documents

Republic of South Africa (RSA).Constitution of South Africa, No. 108 of 1996. Pretoria: Government Printers, 1996.

Republic of South Africa (RSA). Disaster management act 57 of 2002. Pretoria: Government Printers, 2002.

Republic of South Africa (RSA). South African Police Service act 68 of 1995. Pretoria: Government Printers, 1995.

Republic of South Africa (RSA). Independent Police Investigative Directorate act 1 of 2011. Pretoria: Government Printers, 2011.

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Du Plessis, Mason. “Police and Power in a Pandemic: Reflections on the Rise of Police Brutality during Covid19 and Its Implications on Social Justice in South Africa.” The Pretoria Student Law Review 15, no. 1 (November 8, 2021). https://doi.org/10.29053/pslr.v15i1.3657.

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ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Mmakwena Modipa is a researcher in the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management. This manuscript is dedicated to the late Professor Motseki Moses, the Co-Author of this manuscript.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Modipa, Mmakwena and Moses Motseki. “The Effect of the South African Police Service on Policing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.1 (2026): 291 – 297. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267122