An audit has revealed that 1 448 police employees have committed crimes themselves, the police ministry said on Sunday.
"The audit established that 1 448 members have criminal offences," Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said in a statement.
The audit into how many current employees of the SA Police Service have criminal records had been going on for two years, he said.
Mthethwa said that the next step would be for national police commissioner Riah Phiyega to decide what action should be taken.
"I have now instructed her and the management team that feedback on action should be provided to me by the end of October this year."
He said that going forward there would be a legal process "where everyone will be given an opportunity to state his or her side of the story".
"That said, our resolve to root out any unwanted elements within the police will never be deterred by anything, no matter how long and what it takes."
Mthethwa said the audit had taken longer than expected because the ministry wanted to ensure it was thorough.
The audit had also revealed that there were "serious challenges" regarding the management of discipline in the department.
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