In a nuanced testimony, Firoz Cachalia stands by his criticism of General Mkhwanazi’s dramatic public appearance but acknowledges the “alarming” evidence of police infiltration by criminal cartels.
CAPE TOWN – Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has told a parliamentary inquiry that he was deeply concerned by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s decision to hold a press conference in full combat gear, stating it breached normal police command structures.
Testifying on Wednesday, Cachalia reflected on the July 6 event that triggered a political earthquake, leading to the suspension of then-minister Senzo Mchunu and the establishment of both the parliamentary inquiry and the separate Madlanga Commission.
“His appearance before the public in full military regalia, armed and so forth worried me,” Cachalia stated. “I said at the time, which I maintain is correct, that kind of public statement was not in the ordinary… situation, appropriate because police have command structures. There is a national commissioner and there is a minister and a president.”
A Whistle-Blower or a Rogue General?
Cachalia presented a balanced view, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations Mkhwanazi raised. He stated that ordinary professional conduct requires respect for chains of command, but conceded that in extreme situations, bold action may be necessary.
“He made worrying allegations about infiltration of criminal cartels into the police service and the political process. If those allegations were to be sustained, he would have been vindicated. In that sense he would have been shown to be a whistle-blower,” Cachalia told the inquiry.
He further elaborated that when official norms fail, society expects “bold, courageous conduct by those who hold important positions… to tell the truth whatever the consequence.”
Awaiting the Final Gavel
Despite his initial concerns, the Acting Minister revealed he has been following testimonies at both the Madlanga Commission and the parliamentary inquiry, and what he has heard is deeply troubling.
“His testimony and of others, particularly before the Madlanga Commission, those three witnesses that testified in camera, are very alarming, very concerning,” Cachalia said.
However, he adopted a posture of patience, stating he would wait for the official conclusions of both investigative bodies before making a final judgment. “My own posture is I will wait for this inquiry and the Madlanga Commission to come to a conclusion to understand ‘what really happened over the last few years in the SAPS’,” he said.
Cachalia also confirmed he has since met with National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and General Mkhwanazi to discuss the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), expressing specific concern about the whereabouts of the sensitive dockets it handled.
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