The police ministry on Friday rejected a claim that R7.5-billion of the police budget was spent on civil claims.

Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler Barnard on Thursday said 18 percent of the total 2008/09 SA Police Service (SAPS) budget was used on civil claims and the SAPS Legal Services was being "run into the ground".

In a statement on Friday, police ministry spokesperson Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane said the R7.5-billion the DA referred to was not the actual amount spent on civil claims.

"This amount is a contingency liability. When we reflect a contingency liability, we refer to uncertain liability.

"It is uncertain because at the time of allocation, we do not know if there is an actual liability, when is it going to be incurred and finally, if the actual amount claimed is going to be paid," she said.

Irish-Qhobosheane said the SAPS had actually paid R57.4-million during this financial year under review. More than R900-million in claims was reduced or cancelled during this process.

"The only reason why SAPS reflects the contingency liability in the Annual Report, is solely for transparency purposes and as it is a requirement under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)."

"We further need to also clarify that the R57.4-million that was paid out includes vehicle accidents, legal expenses and damage to property as well as other forms of police actions."

She said the DA's allegation was inaccurate, opportunistic and misleading.

"The ministry views this report in serious light and has instructed that the recommendations contained in the report be implemented and where appropriate, corrective measures taken."