In a dramatic turn of events within South Africa’s security and governance landscape, Firoz Cachalia was officially sworn in as Acting Minister of Police on Friday following the suspension of Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is now on full pay leave pending the outcome of a damning inquiry into alleged corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Cachalia, a former MP and academic, takes over the crucial portfolio at a time of heightened public concern over violent crime, deep institutional dysfunction, and fresh political tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Speaking to journalists moments after taking the oath of office, Cachalia distanced himself from populist law enforcement slogans, saying, “I am not a fan of the ‘shoot to kill’ slogan in the fight against violent criminals. I am not going to second-guess police officers in the field… but we are not a banana republic. We have a history in this country of abuse of police power.”
He emphasised that combating crime requires “a strong and efficient, well-run organisation, capable detectives, and so forth”—signalling a return to rule-of-law governance within SAPS.
Cachalia’s appointment follows the shock suspension of Senzo Mchunu, the previous Minister of Police, after explosive allegations were made public by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during an internal briefing to Parliament. Although the precise details remain classified, sources close to the inquiry allege that Mchunu interfered in operational matters, misused state resources, and maintained improper ties with private contractors.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to probe “corruption and misconduct within the SAPS at the highest levels.”
Addressing concerns over the appearance of two ministers simultaneously occupying the same portfolio, President Ramaphosa attempted to defuse tension on Friday.
“I know that there is a technicality in seeming about having two ministers in the same portfolio,” he said. “That is a matter I do believe is going to be resolved within a short space of time. I’ve directed the commission to complete its work as quickly as possible… I expect a report within three months, and if they need more time, we will consider that.”
Despite Ramaphosa’s assurance, legal and constitutional scholars have raised eyebrows over the appointment process. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party challenged the executive’s move in the Constitutional Court, claiming that Cachalia’s appointment was irregular, especially after an initial announcement naming Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister—a statement that was later walked back by the Presidency.
The ConCourt dismissed the MK Party’s urgent application, stating there was no merit to the case. However, critics were quick to draw comparisons to past rulings, including the court’s own 2021 decision to imprison former president Jacob Zuma, which was executed directly from the bench without a trial.
On social media platform X, political commentary exploded.
User @Finn wrote: “Even more confusing is that the taxpayer will continue paying for two ministers — one at home and one inadequately temporary one.”
Another, @Blazini, posted bluntly: “Fire Mchunu duh.”
Security expert Eldred de Klerk, speaking to Newzroom Afrika, welcomed Cachalia’s appointment, saying the former MP and legal scholar brings the right blend of constitutional discipline and reformist zeal.
“He will go slow to go fast. That means thoughtful, systemic reform, not knee-jerk slogans,” said de Klerk. “Cachalia’s remarks show he understands the depth of the rot and will likely focus on detective capacity, leadership discipline, and depoliticising the police.”
Sources in the Ministry confirm that Cachalia will spend his first two weeks conducting security briefings with SAPS leadership, visiting key provinces, and preparing a stabilisation plan to present to Parliament.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into SAPS, established under Section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution, will investigate procurement corruption, political interference in policing operations, and the breakdown in command structures.
Its mandate includes reviewing contracts awarded in the past five years, internal disciplinary processes, and allegations of unauthorised surveillance and misconduct. The commission is expected to call witnesses from across SAPS ranks, including whistleblowers and members of the Hawks.
The MK Party, already under fire for a failed court challenge this week, has doubled down on its claim that Ramaphosa is using the commission to “purge opponents and consolidate control in the GNU.”
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said in a statement:
“This is yet another ANC factional game disguised as a clean-up. Why is it always the leaders who speak out or resist instruction who suddenly find themselves suspended or under inquiry?”
As South Africa grapples with deepening crime, public trust in SAPS has plunged. The 2024/25 Crime Stats released in June show a 13% increase in armed robberies, 9% rise in house invasions, and a staggering 18% spike in police misconduct complaints.
Cachalia, who enters office with a reputation for legal rigour and ethical integrity, has inherited one of the country’s most politically explosive portfolios.
With the Mchunu scandal, MK party resistance, and a constitutional grey area over dual ministers, the next three months could reshape the leadership and public perception of South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.
