Malema calls on security cluster to quell tensions, focus on rebuilding public trust
Economic Freedom Fighers (EFF) leader Julius Malema warned that infighting among senior police officials was weakening South Africa's security at a critical time.
Speaking in Emfuleni Municipality in Gauteng, he urged members of the security cluster to work together and rebuild trust.
This comes as speculation over alleged tensions between the senior members of the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) resurfaced.
Last week, Crime Intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo and his colleague Nosipho Madondo were reportedly summoned by IDAC investigators to present themselves at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria, after warrants were issued for their arrest.
READ MORE: IDAC confirms arrest warrant issued for Crime Intel boss Khumalo
Khumalo and Madondo subsequently left the station without being charged.
After denying any involvement, IDAC released a statement confirming the existence of the arrest warrants and further stated that the pair were told they no longer needed to present themselves prior to their arrival at the station.
IDAC has previously denied claims that it was targeting senior police officials.
Commenting on the issue, Malema said divisions within the Police Service could create opportunities for criminals to disrupt the country.
He called for calm ahead of the planned 30 June anti-illegal immigration march.
“It’s a very negative image for our country. We have got a threat that was made about 30 June. Instead of planning for that, so that we are prepared properly, but if they go for each other like they are doing, there will be a level of mistrust. There ought to be decisive action. We have to be very calculative.”
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On Monday, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia met with his counterparts in the security cluster, including Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, the Deputy Ministers of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale and Dr Polly Boshielo, and the leadership of the SAPS led by the Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.
The meeting was to discuss the various departments’ readiness to manage planned protests against illegal immigration in the country.
Cachalia assured the public that the government has taken extensive measures to ensure that the country remains safe and secure.
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