The South African Police Service warned the public on 5 September 2026 that using AI or face-swapping tools to create images of people in SAPS uniforms or appearing to be arrested could amount to impersonating a police official, a criminal offence under the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995. The warning, issued by SAPS in the Free State, said such images can easily be mistaken for real photographs and used to mislead, embarrass, or harm individuals.
The Witness independently reported the same SAPS warning on 4 September 2026, confirming the core message and the legal concern surrounding AI-generated police imagery. The Citizen Network News also reported on a separate police-related AI image issue, noting that AI-generated police-uniform content may carry legal implications depending on how it is used.
SAPS cited Sections 66 and 68 of the South African Police Service Act, which restrict unauthorised use of SAPS uniforms, badges, and false presentation as police members. The official SAPS badge was registered with the Bureau of Heraldry on 31 October 1995, giving the emblem legal protection.
“The trend of using AI and face-swapping applications to create realistic photographs in police and other official uniforms may seem like harmless fun,” the SAPS said in a statement. “However, the SAPS warns that these images can easily be mistaken for real photographs and may have serious consequences if they are used to mislead or deceive others.”
Free State provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia urged the public to use AI responsibly and said SAPS uniforms should not be treated as a costume. “When police uniforms, insignia or supposed arrests are involved, people need to be responsible,” Lesia said. “The SAPS uniform represents authority and public trust and should not be used as a costume or to create a false identity.”
SAPS clarified that creating an AI image does not automatically mean a crime has been committed. The legal risk depends on how the image is used and whether it is intended to deceive or impersonate a police official.
The warning fits a broader pattern in which South African authorities have repeatedly cautioned against manipulated images and misinformation on social media, particularly when visuals can falsely suggest criminal conduct or official authority. SAPS has previously warned its own officers about social media use while in uniform and issued guidance restricting unauthorised sharing of SAPS-related content, as reported by The Citizen.
No specific incident in the Cape Flats or Western Cape has been linked to this warning, and the provided sources do not identify a triggering viral post or named individual behind the advisory. No prosecution resulting from AI-generated police images has been confirmed.
It remains unknown whether SAPS Western Cape will issue a similar advisory or whether local cases involving AI-generated police imagery are under investigation. Cape Flats News journalist Nadia Jacobs will check with SAPS Western Cape communications on 8 September 2026 for any provincial developments related to this warning.