Archbishop Makgoba calls for six-week inquiry into SAPS crisis
The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has called for an urgent preliminary inquiry into the ongoing crisis in the leadership of the South African Police Service.
He urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a panel of judges, law enforcement experts and investigators of high integrity to assess the allegations of political interference by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and report back within six weeks.
Makgoba warned that the public is losing confidence in the police amid serious allegations and internal conflict.
During a media briefing on Sunday, Mkhwanazi alleged that senior police officials tried to derail investigations into organised crime syndicates.
He also accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of having ulterior motives when he disbanded a task team on political killings in December, a claim which the minister denies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has already said that he would examine the allegations.
"I will need to look at it more closely and have a thorough discussion with several people, and thereafter, there will be a clear way forward. This is a matter that we should not overlook. It is a serious matter. It has to do with the security of our people, but also our adherence to the rule of law."
Speaking to the media after the BRICS summit concluded in Brazil on Monday, Ramaphosa stated that it was the first time he had heard about the claims.
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