Cachalia raises alarm over conduct of top SAPS generals
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia Testifies on Police Corruption and PKTT Disbandment to Parliament
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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed his concerns regarding the actions of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola during his testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
The committee is investigating allegations of police corruption and the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The Ad Hoc Committee was established following General Mkhwanazi's serious allegations about a crime syndicate, known as the “Big Five,” infiltrating key law enforcement and intelligence structures.
These claims have raised alarm over the integrity of South Africa’s policing.
Cachalia, appointed acting police minister on August 1, 2025, said Mkhwanazi’s armed and uniformed appearance before his press briefing on July 6 took him by surprise.
“While I was focused on reviewing cases and broader policy at the academy, I wasn’t following parliamentary hearings closely and was unaware of his earlier statements.
“After his public appearance - fully donned in military regalia and armed - I was worried,” Cachalia told the committee.
He added that such a public display was “not ordinary or appropriate because the police have a clear command structure with the national commissioner and a minister.”
Yet, he acknowledged the gravity of Mkhwanazi’s whistleblower allegations.
“If his claims about cartel infiltration into the police and political processes are upheld, then he would be vindicated. Society expects bold conduct from senior officials when norms fail,” said Cachalia.
Pressed on the fate of the PKTT and its crucial investigation dockets after their disbandment by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on December 31, 2024, Cachalia explained he met both Mkhwanazi and Masemola to seek clarity.
“The disbandment was public, but the reasons and the status of the dockets were unclear. Some dockets contained ongoing investigations, while others were nearing prosecution. I was deeply concerned that these investigations might be compromised and engaged the national commissioner on this matter.”
Cachalia described the difficulties he faced: “As a newcomer, it was challenging to understand what was happening, especially as the national commissioner’s relationship with his predecessor had broken down, creating tension and complicating communication.”
By August 20, Cachalia said he believed they were mostly aligned, though initially, he did not have clear answers on the PKTT’s disbandment or the location of the dockets.
He later received Minister Mchunu’s December 31 letter ordering the disbandment and was told the letter was a “cursory” way to handle such a critical issue.
In his interaction with General Masemola, Cachalia stated that he requested a written report for clarity.
“The national commissioner appeared to accommodate the minister’s instruction, agreeing the PKTT would be disbanded but advised the dockets should be transferred methodically to preserve their integrity.”
Cachalia attributed conflicting public statements by Masemola on the PKTT dockets to communication errors rather than deliberate misinformation.
“Under media pressure, offhand, inconsistent statements can happen. I worked with Masemola to establish a transparent and respectful working relationship in the future, recognising our shared responsibility to rebuild public trust.”
He expressed the need to await the full findings of the parliamentary inquiry and the parallel Madlanga Commission before making definitive judgments.
“Despite alarming evidence so far, I believe these inquiries should properly assess and test facts before we understand what has happened in the SAPS over recent years,” said the acting minister.
The Ad Hoc Committee’s investigation continues, with testimony this week from Advocate Andrea Johnson of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.
Parliament remains under pressure to deliver accountability amid growing public concern over police corruption and politically motivated killings.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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