Leadership, Ethics, and Public Trust: An Examination of the Role of the National Police Commissioner in Shaping Policing In South Africa
Sr No:
Page No:
27-39
Language:
English
Authors:
Dr. John Motsamai Modise*
Received:
2025-12-29
Accepted:
2026-02-07
Published Date:
2026-02-15
Abstract:
The research aims to explore how the National Police Commissioner addresses the intricate issues of police in South Africa
while maintaining ethical leadership, fostering public trust, and advocating for a more fair and equitable society. Primary Subjects
leadership Styles and Methodologies, analyzing the leadership styles and methodologies utilized by the National Police Commissioner,
encompassing transformational, transactional, and servant leadership. Ethical Considerations: Examining the ethical difficulties
encountered by the National Police Commissioner and investigating their resolution within the framework of South African police.
Community interactions and Public Trust: Examining methodologies for establishing and sustaining public trust, resolving community
issues, and promoting favorable police-community interactions. obstacles and Constraints: Analyzing the primary obstacles
encountered by the National Police Commissioner, encompassing resource limitations, political intervention, and the legacy of
apartheid. Evaluation of Policing Outcomes: Analyzing the influence of the National Police Commissioner's leadership on critical
policing outcomes, including crime rates, public safety, and police credibility. Essential Arguments: Effective police in South Africa
needs robust, ethical, and imaginative leadership from the National Police Commissioner. Establishing trust and cultivating healthy
community relations are essential for efficient law enforcement and public safety. Confronting the legacy of apartheid and advancing
social justice within the SAPS are crucial for establishing a more equal and just society. The National Police Commissioner must
address intricate difficulties, such as resource limitations, political meddling, and changing crime patterns. Ethical leadership,
openness, and accountability are vital for sustaining public trust and affirming the validity of the SAPS. Methodological approach, this
research will utilize a systematic literature review methodology. Academic literature, government papers, policy documents, and
media stories will be rigorously located, assessed, and analyzed to integrate current information on policing leadership, ethical issues,
community relations, and the problems encountered by the SAPS. Importance/Consequences, the results of this study hold
considerable implications for enhancing police performance developing ways to improve police efficacy, leadership cultivation, and
organizational efficiency within the SAPS. Enhancing public trust: Offering ideas for establishing and sustaining public confidence in
the SAPS. Advancing ethical policing directing the formulation of ethical standards and training initiatives for law enforcement
personnel. Guiding policy formulation, offering evidence-based suggestions to policymakers and lawmakers regarding policing
changes. Advancing academic knowledge. Augmenting the comprehension of policing leadership and its influence on public safety
within the South African environment. This study will appeal to academics, researchers, politicians, law enforcement practitioners,
civil society groups, and others interested in enhancing policing in South Africa. Conclusion. This study will yield significant insights
into the pivotal role of the National Police Commissioner in influencing the future of police in South Africa. This research will
enhance the understanding of the leadership challenges, ethical considerations, and community relations issues encountered by the
National Police Commissioner, thereby elucidating the factors that foster effective and legitimate policing in a complex environment.
This abstract offers a succinct summary of the study, encompassing its objectives, principal themes, core arguments, methodology,
importance, target audience, and conclusion.
Keywords:
Human Rights, Right to Nationality, Statelessness, Citizenship, International Law, Human Dignity, Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Discrimination, Civil Rights, Political Rights, Social Rights, Economic Rights, UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights), Article 15 UDHR, International Law, Human Rights Treaties, Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.