SAPS sukkel with vehicle shortages despite plans for 2 991 new vehicles

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says the South African Police Service (SAPS) has procured 2 991 vehicles for the 2025/26 financial year, but the delivery delays and an ageing fleet are contributing to chronic shortages in townships and rural police stations.

This follows a question posed by MK Party MP Gugulethu Mchunu, who asked how the department justifies the shortage of vehicles that prevents police officers from attending crime scenes and responding to emergencies on time.

She also asked when a clear plan for the procurement and distribution of vehicles to under-resourced areas could be expected.

In response, Cachalia said that currently, the total vehicles purchased is much less than the needs required at police stations.

‘'This is as a result of fleet ageing, i.e., vehicles with high kilometre readings, and the utilisation of vehicles on a 24/7 basis, which results in vehicles having to be taken to garages for repairs or recommended for boarding," Cachalia said.

“The SAPS is, therefore, in a position whereby it disposes of vehicles quicker than they can be replaced and the number that are introduced as replacements is less than what is actually required.”

He explained that SAPS determines vehicle needs based on the total number of personnel and policing functions at each station, rather than the geographical terrain.

“Vehicles are purchased according to the transversal Contract RT57-2022 as per the allocated budget for the financial year,” Cachalia said.

Cachalia also said that of the 2,991 vehicles procured, a total of 2,082 had been delivered by November 21 2025, with the remaining 909 expected by March 31 2026.

“Upon delivery, the provincial offices will allocate and issue the vehicles to stations according to their priority lists,” he said.