MEDIA STATEMENT
Johannesburg, Sunday, 16 March 2025 — Public Interest SA is deeply dismayed by the apparent discord within the senior ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS), which has now drawn the Minister of Police into an uneasy and public tug-of-war among top officials. This regrettable situation only serves to erode public trust in the police and the rule of law at a time when our nation needs a stable and effective law enforcement leadership.
While we acknowledge that no one is above the law and that due process must be followed in any investigation, it is concerning that these public disputes distract from the core mission of the SAPS — ensuring the safety and security of South Africans. The perception that internal power struggles are taking precedence over the fight against crime and corruption weakens public confidence in the integrity of the criminal justice system.
We urge all parties involved, including Minister Senzo Mchunu, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), to approach this matter with the necessary restraint and professionalism. Any investigations must be conducted fairly and transparently, free from political or personal influence.
Public Interest SA also calls on Parliament and oversight bodies to closely monitor this situation to ensure that any actions taken are in the interest of justice and not part of a broader campaign to settle personal or political scores. The rule of law and the credibility of our law enforcement institutions must be protected at all costs.
In the interest of South Africa’s stability and safety, we appeal for cool heads to prevail and for all parties to act in a manner that restores — rather than diminishes — public confidence in the SAPS and the broader criminal justice system.
END
