575 lifestyle discrepancies found … so why has no cops been disciplined?

Over the past five years, senior South African Police Service (Saps) management structures have been found to have 575 lifestyle discrepancies, including undeclared vehicles, properties, business interests, unapproved remunerative work, and inconsistent gift disclosures. Despite these significant irregularities, no officials have faced disciplinary action.

The police ministry disclosed these findings in response to a parliamentary question, revealing that the number of investigations has been increasing annually. Between 2021 and 2024, zero discrepancies were referred for investigation, even though 235 were identified. In the 2024-25 financial year, five out of 143 discrepancies were investigated, rising to 72 discrepancies recorded in 2025-26.

Reasons cited for not disclosing interests included dormant businesses, joint asset ownership, misunderstandings of disclosure requirements, asset registration or sale by family members, and administrative oversight. Saps officers claimed they did not intend to deceive but failed to provide proper disclosure. When questioned by DA spokesperson on police Lisa Schickerling, the police ministry acknowledged the high volume of irregular disclosures but confirmed zero disciplinary actions, as explanations given were deemed satisfactory.

Of the five investigated in 2024-25, all cases concluded without further action, and of the 72 investigated in 2025-26, 33 were finalised and closed without further action. Three members retired before investigation completion, and 36 were still ongoing. Notably, 23 non-disclosures were vehicle-related, three were property-related, and 15 Saps employees had both vehicle and property discrepancies.

The ministry stated that no members faced disciplinary action due to the financial disclosure and lifestyle review processes, and no cases were referred to other law-enforcement agencies or oversight bodies.