The South African Policing Union (SAPU) in the Western Cape says it has been vindicated following a Western Cape High Court ruling granting bail to a group of Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) members.

The officers, known as the “AGU 11”, were released from custody on 30 January 2026 after the High Court upheld their appeal and overturned a decision by the Athlone Magistrate’s Court that had refused them bail on 23 December 2025.

In terms of the High Court order, each of the appellants was granted bail of R2,000, subject to strict conditions. They are prohibited from interfering with or contacting any State witnesses in the Athlone case. They are also barred from entering Manenberg, in either their personal or official capacities, until the case is finalised.

That restriction on entering Manenberg will serve as a rule nisi, meaning the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in the Western Cape and the Commander of the Anti-Gang Unit must appear before the court on 5 February 2026 to provide reasons why the condition should not be made final.

The court further ordered that the members must inform the investigating officer from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Senior Investigator K. Paige, of any change in their residential addresses. Their legal representatives were also instructed to serve a copy of the order on the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in the Western Cape and the Commander of the Anti-Gang Unit.

Following receipt of the order, the Athlone Magistrate was directed to immediately issue warrants of liberation to secure the officers’ release once each had paid the required bail amount.

SAPU Western Cape said it respects the independence of the judiciary and the legal process, but remains concerned that the members spent the festive season in custody.

The union argued that the circumstances did not justify their continued detention, particularly as they are employed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), have fixed residential addresses, and are known to the State through the administration of their pensions via the Government Employees Pension Fund.

The union reiterated its stance that the purpose of arrest and bail is to ensure an accused person appears in court, not to impose unnecessary incarceration where there is no risk of absconding.

SAPU said the prolonged detention of the officers was unjust and punitive, and warned that such actions could negatively affect morale within the police service. At the same time, the union stressed that it does not condone criminality by law enforcement officials or members of the public, and supports the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

SAPU Western Cape said it will continue to monitor the case closely, provide support to the members, and allow the legal process to run its course. The union also called for a fair, balanced and humane application of the law, in line with the Constitution and principles of justice.