‘Policing has been politicised in this country’ — Cachalia calls for urgent reforms

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called for urgent structural reforms within South Africa’s policing and oversight institutions to restore integrity and public trust. 

His remarks were made on Wednesday during testimony before the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption.

The committee’s hearings, which began on October 7, focus on allegations of entrenched police corruption and the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) made by KwaZulu Natal police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The investigations have uncovered disturbing indications that a sophisticated crime syndicate has infiltrated key law enforcement and intelligence bodies.

“Policing has been politicised in this country,” Cachalia said bluntly, warning that political interference undermines effective crime intelligence and weakens accountability mechanisms.

A particular concern raised by Cachalia was the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the body mandated to probe police misconduct. 

While recognising IPID’s vital role, Cachalia emphasised the need to revamp how its leadership is appointed. At present, the IPID head is appointed by the minister, a process that compromises perceived independence. 

“This appointment process should be re-looked at,” Cachalia stressed. “IPID has a very important responsibility, and a stronger independent selection process could help reinforce its autonomy and effectiveness.”

Cachalia commended IPID’s recent annual report for sound financial management and operational achievements but questioned whether investigations translate into meaningful action.

“With all these oversight bodies — parliamentary committees, standing committees, IPID itself — what happens to their findings? Are their recommendations implemented, or do they merely gather dust?” he posed.

He noted that failure to act on past recommendations has allowed corruption and misconduct to persist. “If we had implemented these recommendations properly, we wouldn’t be in this predicament,” Cachalia stated.

Delving into the state of Crime Intelligence, Cachalia described it as critical yet plagued with accountability and capability challenges. 

“We cannot win the battle against organised crime if crime intelligence itself is compromised,” he warned. He urged clarity on why longstanding issues have worsened despite multiple reports and warnings.

Cachalia also highlighted concerns about systemic problems that remain invisible behind positive performance metrics. 

Despite IPID meeting and exceeding targets, significant investigation backlogs raise questions about resourcing and deep-rooted challenges.

Encouraging ongoing efforts, Cachalia welcomed investigations by the parliamentary committee and the Madlanga Commission as pivotal moments for truth-telling and reform.

“This is a moment in our country’s history – a time to tell objective truths and do the right things. If we act collectively and honestly, we can reverse the degeneration in our police service and emerge stronger,” he said.

Throughout his testimony, Cachalia underscored the necessity of improved coordination among oversight bodies to ensure accountability is not neglected. He stressed that accountability is both a legal duty and a cornerstone for rebuilding public trust between the police, the state, and the community.

The Ad Hoc Committee’s probe continues, with further testimony expected from Advocate Andrea Johnson of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. 

Meanwhile, the pressure mounts on Parliament to deliver decisive accountability amid growing public outcry over police corruption and politically motivated killings.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

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