Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia expressed disapproval of KwaZulu-Natal's top officer appearing before the media while dressed in tactical unit attire during July 2025. The professor told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday that Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's presentation and uniform selection showed disregard for proper channels within law enforcement. Cachalia described the event as troubling because it failed to honor organizational protocols when making serious accusations about misconduct.
The acting minister also criticized decisions surrounding the Political Killings Task Team, which was suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded it at year-end 2024. Cachalia said the timing made little sense given the ongoing violence and approaching elections. He acknowledged ministerial authority over such choices but noted National Commissioner Fannie Masemola received no advance notice despite objecting to the abrupt closure. Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo similarly testified he learned about the disbandment without consultation.
Parliamentary investigators began hearings in October after Mkhwanazi alleged criminal networks had penetrated justice institutions. Cachalia told lawmakers that complaints about corruption belong with official bodies rather than public forums. The minister referenced constitutional provisions separating policy development from operational command and suggested courts may eventually clarify boundaries between these functions.
The acting minister also criticized decisions surrounding the Political Killings Task Team, which was suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded it at year-end 2024. Cachalia said the timing made little sense given the ongoing violence and approaching elections. He acknowledged ministerial authority over such choices but noted National Commissioner Fannie Masemola received no advance notice despite objecting to the abrupt closure. Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo similarly testified he learned about the disbandment without consultation.
Parliamentary investigators began hearings in October after Mkhwanazi alleged criminal networks had penetrated justice institutions. Cachalia told lawmakers that complaints about corruption belong with official bodies rather than public forums. The minister referenced constitutional provisions separating policy development from operational command and suggested courts may eventually clarify boundaries between these functions.
