Addressing The Nation - Letter From The President

Safeguarding The Integrity and Effectiveness Of Our Police Service

By Fiona Wakelin

In his letter to the nation, penned on July 14, His Excellency, President Ramaphosa addressed the issues raised by SAPS KwaZuluNatal Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at a media briefing - serious allegations that the Minister of Police and other individuals had colluded to interfere with police investigations.

In response to these allegations, His Excellency announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry headed by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to ensure that the important work which has been done to rebuild our law enforcement agencies and security services is not compromised. The Commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

“It is necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can safeguard public confidence in the police service. This is particularly important as we seek to put the era of state capture behind us.

“Among the allegations that the Commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistle blowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

“The Commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations. These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

“The Commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.

In line with this executive decision, President Ramaphosa has put the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, on leave of absence with immediate effect and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of The Witwatersrand and is the Chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

“We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the Commission undertakes its work. I call on all members of our law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.

“I call on all South Africans to support the Commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the Commission may require. In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure,” – His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa.