SAPU welcomes Mchunu's leave, backs inquiry

The union described the move as a necessary step to protect the credibility of the South African Police Service and ensure an independent investigation into serious allegations against the Crime Intelligence Division.

Ramaphosa announced on Sunday night that he had appointed a commission of inquiry, chaired by a retired judge, to probe allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner regarding political interference and abuse of state surveillance resources within the SAPS.

SAPU had previously called for a commission to be established, citing mounting concerns over the misuse of Crime Intelligence resources for political ends, including the controversial procurement of grabber devices and the alleged misuse of slush funds.

"We clearly do welcome such an initiative as it will be chaired by a judge and his team, and we hope that they will do great work in uncovering the rest of these allegations,” said SAPU spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale.

"It would not really be sound for the commission to proceed with its work with [Minister Mchunu] still being actively involved in police matters."

Thobakgale said that placing the minister on leave was the right move, as it allowed the commission to operate without interference, and signalled that the president was serious about restoring credibility to the security cluster.

"We believe it’s the right decision because being placed on leave means he is no longer active in police issues as an executive authority. It’s a step in the right direction."

In the interim, President Ramaphosa appointed Professor Ismail Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police.

SAPU has expressed strong support for Cachalia’s appointment, noting that his status as an academic and outsider to Parliament may promote transparency and impartiality.

"Because he’s a professor, he would not want to really taint his profession or his reputation. We believe he will assist the police moving forward, and we pledge our support as SAPU."

The union hopes the commission will produce concrete recommendations to reform the Crime Intelligence Division, calling for a full assessment of current policy weaknesses and vulnerabilities that have enabled past abuses.

"These are serious allegations that relate to national security. The commission must look at the misuse of resources, identify the gaps, and help ensure SAPS moves forward in a direction that is not compromised,” said Thobakgale.

The inquiry is expected to look into the political manipulation of intelligence capabilities, procurement irregularities, and whether the chain of command within SAPS has been exploited for non-operational agendas.

SAPU reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, stating that it upholds the principle of "innocent until proven guilty”.

However, it emphasised that accountability and transparency are critical to rebuilding trust in policing institutions.

ALSO READ