S outh A frican Police Service - Institute for Security Studies

2. LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER MANDATES
2.1 Constitutional Mandate
The Strategic Plan 2010 to 2014
2.1.1 The mandate of the SAPS is derived from Section 205 of the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996). The objectives of policing are to:
● Prevent, combat and investigate crime.
● Maintain public order.
● Protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property.
● Uphold and enforce the law.
2.2 Legislative Mandate
2.2.1 The SAPS is responsible for the administration of the following legislation, which has
been taken into consideration during the determining of the strategic priorities and
objectives for the SAPS:
● The South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995), as amended
by the South African Police Service Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No. 57
of 2008). This Act states that “there is a need to provide a police service
throughout the national territory to:
➤ ensure the safety and security of all persons and property in the
national territory;
➤ uphold and safeguard the fundamental rights of every person as
guaranteed by Chapter 2 of the Constitution;
➤ ensure co-operation between the Service and the communities it
serves in the combating of crime;
➤ reflect respect for victims of crime and an understanding of their
needs; and
➤ ensure effective civilian supervision over the Service”.
● Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities
Act, 2004 (Act No. 33 of 2004).
● Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
● Explosives Act, 1956 (Act No. 26 of 1956).
● Tear-gas Act, 1964 (Act No. 16 of 1964).
● Dangerous Weapons Act, 1968 (Act No. 71 of 1968).
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