Exclusive interview: Prof Firoz Cachalia on his priorities for the police

IOL News

3 days ago

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia.
Image: Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu/African News Agency (ANA)
With all eyes on newly appointed Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, crime experts and analysts are cautiously optimistic about what his appointment could mean for policing reform and national security in South Africa.
Cachalia was sworn into office on 1 August following the bombshell allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that a powerful criminal syndicate had infiltrated the country's law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and even the judiciary.
Mkhwanazi accused police minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in sensitive investigations and colluding with a murder-accused businessman to disband a task team probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
In a televised address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence, announced a commission of inquiry into the allegations, and appointed 66-year-old Cachalia as the acting minister.
In an exclusive interview with the Weekend Argus, Cachalia opened up about the surprise appointment, his sense of responsibility, and how he plans to approach the portfolio in the coming weeks.
'When I saw the calls on my phone, I realised it was someone from the Presidency. I wondered why he'd be calling me, it's not every day the President looks for you. I thought it might be about the National Anti-Corruption Council,' said Cachalia.
'Very shortly after, I received a few calls from President Ramaphosa himself. I didn't have much time to think about it, but I immediately said yes. He said, 'Listen, I'm going to be appointing you.''
Standing next to his wife at the time, Cachalia recalls exchanging a few brief words with her about how unexpected it was. 'We didn't verbalise much, but to be honest, I was taken aback, it was completely out of the blue. There was no indication. It's not something that could have even entered my own mind.'
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He had been preparing for life after his term at Wits University, which concluded at the end of July.
'I had discussions about what I would do next. I was beginning to think about life beyond Wits. I've always remained politically active in some form, but I wasn't pursuing office. I think that's part of what made this offer meaningful, it was rooted in a shared concern for the safety of the country.'
'It was fortuitous. I don't think the President even knew my term was ending at the University,' he added.
Reflecting on his journey, Cachalia said: 'I've spent my whole life concerned about the country's political situation. When the President asked me to do this, I recognised the tremendous responsibility and I am braced for it."
'In an interesting sort of way, I've never really put myself forward. Even when I entered the Gauteng legislature, I was overseas and someone asked me if I could be placed on the list. I didn't campaign, lobby, or request it, I just said yes.'
'Many of my life's activities were shaped by the struggle and the question of how we rebuild the country. So when opportunities like this come my way, I tackle them wholeheartedly."
Cachalia said being asked to serve in Cabinet is a 'tremendous honour,' but he doesn't view it as a personal accolade.
'Some have congratulated me personally, but I don't see it like that. It's not a personal milestone I view it as a task, a responsibility I need to fulfil.'
On his immediate priorities as Acting Minister, Cachalia said:
'All ministers have a private office, and the ministerial handbook outlines the positions within that office. I will choose a small team of people who share the same vision. This includes a head of communication, advisors, a spokesperson, and chief of staff. Together, we'll engage with Cabinet, the public, and department staff. I'll need to work out what the key priorities are.'
'I'm not starting afresh. I'll assess what changes are necessary, but that can only happen after proper engagements and understanding of the department's objectives.'
On senior appointments, Cachalia was unequivocal: 'Decisions on senior positions like the National Commissioner are not for the Minister to make. It's a delicate matter and one I will respect.'
'That said, I'll be looking closely at SAPS structures to see what is needed. I have a particular interest in detective services, because I believe fighting organised crime and corruption hinges on competent, highly-trained detectives."
He also flagged procurement as an area that requires urgent attention: 'The procurement process can easily become corrupted. I'll be looking at ways to ensure better value for money and identify where savings can be made.'
Service delivery at police station level, Cachalia said, will be a focus.
'I'm very committed to ensuring we have effective, competent, and professional police services that deliver safety and security. That depends on how efficient the department is.'
He acknowledged that public trust in SAPS is at a low point: 'Restoring a proper relationship between the public and police has to be a priority. Accountability at all levels must improve. How do we change that? That's an important question I'll be tackling.'
Cachalia said he plans to visit provinces to hear directly from officials and affected communities.
'When I visit a province, I want to meet with the MEC and the Provincial Commissioner. I want to hear directly from them what the issues are, particularly around gang violence.'
On the nature of his appointment, he added: 'The President had to make a decision based on the situation at hand. He has the discretion to appoint and remove ministers. That applies to all of us so I'm not making any assumptions.'
'I will carry out this responsibility as Minister of Police for as long as the President deems it appropriate. If he decides otherwise, I will leave with a grateful heart. But if I'm allowed to continue until the end of this government's term, I will do so with full commitment.'
Calvin Rafadi, a crime expert and University of Johannesburg research associate, welcomed the appointment of Professor Cachalia to a key acting ministry role focusing on crime and policy reform. He praised Cachalia's strategic thinking and moral leadership but warned that legal challenges from opposition parties could delay progress. Rafadi urged Cachalia to form a capable advisory team and called for a State of Emergency to address escalating violent crime, including the use of military-grade weapons by organised syndicates.
Rafadi also pushed for stronger deployment of the SANDF and advanced policing tactics to restore order, stressing the need to eliminate nepotism in the Hawks and restore public trust in government.
Chad Thomas, a forensic investigator, supported Cachalia's appointment, citing his legal and policy background as well-suited for the role. He noted that reform would face internal resistance from corrupt SAPS officials but said suspending and prosecuting them would signal serious intent. Thomas advocated for a blended leadership approach and said while structural change before the 2026 local elections may be difficult, Cachalia's role should be seen as a step toward lasting transformation within SAPS.
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