Treasury sets aside R823m for army support against gangs, illegal mining
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has allocated R810m next year to recapitalise the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) vehicle fleet as the government seeks to strengthen its response to crime and corruption.
The measures form part of a broader effort to improve the capacity of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Godongwana said an additional R2.2bn over the medium term would be provided to enhance the independence of the judiciary.
The allocation, announced in Wednesday’s medium-term budget policy statement, is aimed at renewing the police fleet. Godongwana said crime and corruption weakened governance, diverted public funds intended for service delivery and raised the cost of doing business.
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“In addition to the allocations to the Border Management Authority this year, we are also increasing the number of labour inspectors. The government is also considering measures to strengthen the capacity of the border inspectorate and the immigration officers to address our challenges with illegal migration,” Godongwana said.
The adjustments budget also includes R823m for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to assist police in tackling gang-related crime and illegal mining.
“These efforts are complemented by measures to establish the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption Ombud Office and strengthen the Information Regulator. Police funding is being redirected to forensics to reduce backlogs and improve investigations,” the Treasury said in Wednesday’s medium-term budget policy statement.
A further R186m has been allocated to forensic and investigative capacity as part of the government’s response to gender-based violence and femicide.
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The adjustments budget also allocates R516m to the Madlanga, Kampepe and Nkabinde commissions of inquiry, which are examining matters of public accountability and the functioning of state institutions. The funding is included in the government’s in-year expenditure adjustments for 2026/27.
The R516m allocation matters because commissions of inquiry require funding to gather evidence, hear testimony and produce findings that can inform decisions on accountability and possible further action. The funding ensures the Madlanga, Kampepe and Nkabinde commissions can continue their work.