SAPS in Crisis: Makashule Gana says South Africans want to hear from President Ramaphosa
Image: Elmond Jiyane, GCIS
RISE Mzansi has welcomed the announcement by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, which mandates the portfolio committees on police, justice and constitutional development, and the joint standing committee on intelligence to probe the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Makashule Gana, RISE Mzansi's National Assembly whip and member of the portfolio committee on police said his party has also noted comments made by the national commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, in which he stated that he is ready to brief President Cyril Ramaphosa on the scandal.
Makashule Gana, RISE Mzansi's National Assembly whip and member of the portfolio committee on police.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Media
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'President Ramaphosa needs to act diligently and urgently to bring stability to the SAPS and the justice, peace and security cluster as a whole. One such step would be establishing a commission of inquiry headed by a retired judge to probe the serious allegations by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi,' said Gana.
He said the commission of inquiry must have clear terms of reference and timelines.
'President Ramaphosa has built a reputation as someone who takes his time to act. This cannot be one of those instances, while the country's police service is at war with itself, and the state's safety and security is in question,' said Gana.
'President Ramaphosa stated that he will deal with this matter on his return from his official international duties. Today is that day. South Africans want to hear from the president.
On Sunday, KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made damning allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, deputy national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and other high-placed individuals.
Mkhwanazi stirred the hornet's nest when he made the explosive revelations, stating that investigations have unearthed a crime syndicate involving underworld figures, politicians, prosecutors, judges, and senior police officers.
Earlier this week, IOL reported that Ramaphosa has described the allegations made by Mkhwanazi against Mchunu as a "serious national security concern" and urged all parties involved to exercise "restraint and discipline."
'This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention. It is vital that the integrity of the country's security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.'
'All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint. The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion. Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police,' he said.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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