Calls for SAPS inquiry to be given 'proper support, resources'
Business Leadership South Africa says the new commission into alleged political interference in police investigations must avoid the delays and inaction seen with previous inquiries, such as the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture.
The organisation welcomed the appointment of acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead the process, but warned that strong support, proper resources, and swift action are needed.
It also joined calls for the commission’s findings to lead to real consequences.
In a televised address Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the creation of a judicial commission of inquiry charged with investigating "the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity".
The commission must deliver reports in three and six months.
"As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies," said Ramaphosa.
It comes after KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had received payments from a corruption suspect.
He also accused him of having played a role in dismantling the task team to investigate political killings to shield politically connected people.
Mchunu has rejected the allegations, describing them as "insinuations made without evidence or due process".
At the same time, trade union federation Cosatu said the commission of inquiry needs to be given the full support and resources it requires to fulfil its mandate.
It says explosive allegations of corruption and serious criminal activities are extremely worrying and threaten to undermine the public's trust in them.
Cosatu’s spokesperson, Matthew Parks, says the commission must move with speed to attend to these extremely concerning matters:
“It’ll be equally critical for the executive and law enforcement to act upon the commission's recommendations. Once concluded, South Africans have grown weary of commissions and correctly expect to see decisive action resulting from it.
“We are confident that the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police will help provide the police with the stability it requires during this period.”
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