By OBAKENG MAJE
14 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development said they have noted the announcement by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Commission of Inquiry on allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS.
“It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal Justice system.”
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola said: “The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law.
“They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”
Cameron said while the announcement is welcomed, they both highlighted that the process announced by the President does not affect the parliamentary process. He said they said the directive from the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly was clear, and the committees will endeavour to urgently implement the directive.
“The Constitution mandates the national legislature to ensure effective oversight and accountability over the executive. It is in this context that the parliamentary process continues, especially because the credibility of the entire criminal justice system is at stake.
“As chairpersons, we underscore the importance of having an effective and efficient justice system that is capable of ensuring the safety and security of everyone. Despite the decisions made by the President, the perception of a systematic breakdown remains, and the parliamentary process might assist in ensuring openness and accountability,” he said.
Nqola said: “As a result, the committees will hold an initial meeting later this week to consider a way forward and report to the National Assembly as guided by the Speaker,” .
Meanwhile, the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has applauded the establishment of an Independent Judicial Commission to probe allegations against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, senior police officials, the judiciary including criminal syndicates announced by Ramaphosa on Sunday as a step in the right direction.
SAUCIC declared that Ramaphosa has demonstrated leadership by acting decisively and with conviction to protect the rule of law and good governance.
“He has showed consideration to the fact that restoring the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS) cannot be compromised at the altar of political expediency nor precedence be set for anarchy to be entrenched as a character and or dominant feature of law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” declared SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole.
Shole said that the culture of impunity within the police service must be confronted in order to ensure that it does not degenerate into a self-serving institution. He said the safety of citizens must not be compromised during this transition.
“We expect that the leadership of the SAPS at all levels will be held accountable for operational efficiency and the highest levels of professionalism in order to safeguard our communities against violent and organised crime syndicates.
“The appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police will bolster efforts to intensify the fight against corruption within the police service given his experience within the criminal justice cluster and commitment to serve,” said Shole.
He said opting for an ethical servant leader of his calibre has demonstrated impartiality and defined in no uncertain terms the objective of the unfolding process. Shole expressed hope that Parliament will suspend the establishment of adhoc committees it had set up to probe issues that the commission will be dealing with pending the finalization of reports.
“The commission is best placed to adjudicate on complex legal matters as well as broad issues such as accountability, recommend prosecution and where necessary disciplinary action taking into account abdication of responsibilities, commission and or omission on the part of anyone including the SAPS Management under the leadership of the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.
“We commend Mchunu’s cooperation for accepting to be placed on special leave for the duration of the commission,” said Shole.
The Guardian 