War within the SAPS and serious claims against Mchunu

RISE Mzansi notes with deep concern the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, of corruption and conniving between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, South African Police Service (SAPS) senior management and criminal elements.

These allegations cannot be left to fester. It is therefore incumbent upon President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to brief the nation on their knowledge of the allegations and the action that will be taken.

On Friday, the Police Department tabled its Budget Vote before the National Assembly, where RISE Mzansi reminded Minister Mchunu that the SAPS budget must not protect positions; it must protect people.

Moreover, South Africans want one thing: to feel safe.

Therefore, the unnecessary fights within the police must stop, and that focus must be directed at keeping South Africans safe.

A war within the SAPS and between different power structures shreds away at the constitutional imperative to keep South Africans safe and leaves the country at the mercy of criminals.

Makashule Gana, RISE Mzansi National Assembly Caucus Whip and Member of the Portfolio Committee on Police