Deputy President Paul Mashatile said testimony before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee shows how much cleaning is needed in policing to tackle criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference. Answering questions in the National Assembly on Oct. 30, 2025, he said gaps in the South African Police Service include people who should not be there and promised swift action once inquiries conclude to install the right leadership and tighten oversight. His remarks follow allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and come as South Africa confronts high crime and repeated scandals.
Mashatile said restoring trust will take time, but removing bad actors is key, and crime-fighting should not be politicized. He also pushed back on claims that Western Cape municipalities offer the best model, saying audit wins do not erase persistent disparities in townships and informal settlements. He linked reforms to national priorities such as the District Development Model and efforts against gangs and organized crime, with multiagency work and financial targeting through the revenue service.
Mashatile said restoring trust will take time, but removing bad actors is key, and crime-fighting should not be politicized. He also pushed back on claims that Western Cape municipalities offer the best model, saying audit wins do not erase persistent disparities in townships and informal settlements. He linked reforms to national priorities such as the District Development Model and efforts against gangs and organized crime, with multiagency work and financial targeting through the revenue service.
