The Independent Policing Union of South Africa (IPUSA) has urged for the immediate de-escalation in the public confrontation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

The union warns that the dispute threatens the rule of law ahead of local government elections.

The public dispute between SAPS and IDAC stems from high-profile arrests and alleged warrants concerning a R45-million Crime Intelligence slush fund scandal and questionable senior police appointments.

IPUSA condemns the public dispute, warning that it severely damages public trust in South Africa's law-enforcement institutions.

With the local government elections approaching, IPUSA stresses that South Africa can not afford “instability or institutional warfare”. The union emphasises that a disciplined, focused policing environment is required to ensure community safety.

The union is urgently calling for structured engagement between the two institutions to restore operational clarity and mutual respect, which it says is non-negotiable.

The union says both bodies must stop attacking each other publicly and allow operational space to fulfil their mandates.

It wants investigators and whistleblowers on both sides to be shielded from intimidation, retaliation, or political pressure, and says executive authorities must intervene urgently before institutional relationships and national security are irreparably harmed.

The union further calls on the public to rally behind officers who continue to serve with integrity despite leadership failures.