Corruption Watch slams delay in SAPS inquiry, welcomes Cachalia appointment
Corruption Watch has described President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into alleged criminal infiltration of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies as “long overdue,” warning that years of inaction have allowed corruption to fester within critical crime-fighting institutions.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the civil society watchdog criticised the government for failing to act sooner, despite repeated warnings about corruption in policing and intelligence structures.
The new Commission, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has been instituted to investigate explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
He has accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of having ties to a sophisticated criminal syndicate and interfering with political killing investigations.
“That this action comes only now… is troubling,” the organisation said.
“Three years on, and the country has seen what happens when such critical crime-fighting institutions have been left to unravel, as a result of indecisive leadership and a failure to address internal tensions and allegations of corruption.”
Corruption Watch, which in 2019 co-authored a submission to the Zondo Commission highlighting organised crime’s reach into SAPS and the intelligence community, says President Ramaphosa should have acted on former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s recommendations for further investigation much sooner.
The organisation has now called for strict timelines, public transparency, and real prosecutorial action, urging that the commission not be bogged down by political interference or unnecessary delays.
“We need clearly defined timelines with no extensions, meaningful protection for whistle-blowers, public hearings, and the authority to refer matters for criminal investigation,” the statement said.
“This Commission must not become another mechanism for deferral, but rather a vehicle for justice and institutional restoration.”
Corruption Watch also welcomed the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police, describing it as a “positive signal” given his former role on the Corruption Watch board and his leadership within the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.
“Cachalia has a track record of advocating for institutional integrity — particularly within the security cluster and criminal justice system,” the organisation noted.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry is expected to produce interim reports at the three- and six-month marks. Corruption Watch has called on other civil society organisations working in the criminal justice space to prepare submissions and monitor the commission's work to ensure accountability.
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