Commission of Inquiry essential to validate SAPS corruption allegations: Expert

July 14, 2025 96

Governance expert, Professor Sam Koma, says a commission of inquiry is the most effective way to test the veracity of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of deep-rooted corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Mkhwanazi dropped bombshells in a fiery media briefing, implicating Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and Deputy National Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, of interfering with sensitive investigations. This includes allegations that the pair colluded in dissolving a specialised task team, mandated to probe political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.

Addressing the nation on Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Mchunu will be placed on special leave amid investigations.

Mchunu expressed support for the President’s decision.

He says he stands ready to respond to the accusations against him and account to South African citizens.

President Ramaphosa has established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the matter. It will be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

According to the President, the commission will probe claims of the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions.

Speaking to YNews, Professor Koma said the President made the right call in the matter.

The scholar believes that Mkhwanazi’s allegations have redefined the country’s political landscape.

Political analyst, Mbasa Mvenene, shared an opposing view saying a Commission of Inquiry is not a response that is indicative of the urgency or scope of the allegations made by Mkhwanazi.

Mvenene says citizens have lost hope in the country’s democratic institutions that are meant to serve justice, especially because when those who are given the responsibility are consorting with criminals.

Commission of Inquiry essential to validate SAPS corruption allegations: Expert Lindiwe Mpanza

Democratic Alliance (DA)

Weighing in on the matter, DA leader, John Steenhuisen, said South Africans have become disillusioned with talk shops, task teams, and commissions, criticising them as mechanisms that often sidestep real accountability.

“These commissions will only be as good as their consequences. It is sad that to date, we have not even seen a single high-profile conviction after the billions we spent on the Zondo Commission of Inquiry.”

“What we need when we announce commissions, is a concurrent commitment that there will be efficient and swift consequences for those who are found to have done wrong. We cannot have people hanging around in senior positions after the Zondo Commission,” added Steenhuisen.

ActionSA

ActionSA has labelled the sanctioning of Minister Mchunu as a ‘paid holiday’.

The party’s Member of Parliament (MP), Dereleen James, says the President’s announcement raises serious concerns about the lack of urgency from the highest office.

“What the President failed to acknowledge is that South Africans have long warned of the deep rot within the SAPS and its impact on safety and security. Government inaction has allowed this decay to worsen, further eroding the integrity of law enforcement leadership and deepening a national security crisis that can no longer be ignored,” said James.

ATM

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called on National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to exercise his authority and suspend General Shadrack Sibiya.

The party’s national spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, says it is unacceptable that South Africans have to endure a system that fails to deliver implementable resolutions and accountability.

“It is imperative that those who hold positions of power within our law enforcement agencies, be held accountable for their actions. The integrity of our democracy and the safety of our citizens depend on a thorough and transparent investigation into these claims,” said Ntshona.

Among the notable decisions on the matter, Ramaphosa appointed Professor of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand, Firoz Cachalia, as the acting Minister of Police.

Cachalia will assume the post on the first of August, a day after he retires from his position at Wits.

His appointment has been met with mixed reactions, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) slamming it as illegal.

EFF’s Sinawo Thambo has slammed the president’s reliance of Section91(3)(c), which allows him to select no more than two ministers from outside the national assembly. Thambo says this is in violation of Section 98 of the Constitution, which says the President may assign to a minister any power or function of another minister who is absent or cannot fulfil the functions of office.

He says there is no provision for an acting minister to come from outside the National Assembly.

However, Professor Koma, says some people have a misunderstanding of the President’s constitutional decision to appoint Cachalia.

“Professor Cachalia will only be sworn in as a Member of Parliament on the 1st of August and through his membership of Parliament, he will be appointed duly so, as a Minister of Police.”