Wrongful arrest settlements cost the police more than R203-million in the 2015-2016 financial year‚ Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko told Parliament.

The amount of money paid out in compliance with court orders has grown more than fivefold since the 2009-2010 financial year. The figures point to worrying professionalism in the operations of the Saps when conducting their work.

More than R170-million was paid in compliance with court orders and the other R33-million as a result of out-of-court settlements.

In a written response to a question from Democratic Alliance MP Zakhele Mbhele‚ Nhleko presented the figures from 2009-2010 to 2015-2016.

“The amounts paid during the respective financial years‚ were not necessarily received in the same financial year. The claim could have originated in a previous financial year‚” Nhleko said.

Payments for wrongful arrests in compliance with court orders:

FINANCIAL YEARAMOUNT

2009/2010 R32 271 175‚70

2010/2011 R51 003 343‚96

2011/2012 R78 192 440‚38

2012/2013 R101 652 001‚33

2013/2014 R138 189 961‚09

2014/2015 R133 260 472‚68

2015/2016 R170 652 542‚30

Payments for wrongful arrests stemming from out-of-court settlements:

FINANCIAL YEARAMOUNT

2009/2010 R8 383 395‚44

2010/2011 R7 060 753‚14

2011/2012 R6 419 285‚40

2012/2013 R22 554 053‚61

2013/2014 R28 563 752‚27

2014/2015 R42 740 971‚99

2015/2016R33 015 807‚55

-TMG Digital