PSA Raises Alarm Over Gwede Mantashe’s Appointment as Acting Police Minister Amid Zondo Report Fallout

The Public Service Association (PSA) has thrown down the gauntlet on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent decision to appoint Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister, warning of a troubling conflict of interest amid serious corruption allegations uncovered by the Zondo Commission.

Conflict of Interest Concerns Amid Corruption Allegations

The Zondo Commission, South Africa’s landmark inquiry into state capture, flagged Mantashe for investigation after revealing that security upgrades to his home were paid for by Bosasa, a security firm notorious for bribing officials to win lucrative government contracts.

PSA General Secretary Reuben Maleka expressed deep concern that appointing Mantashe to oversee the police — the very institution tasked with investigating corruption, could jeopardize the probe’s integrity.

“It is worrying that the President has appointed Mantashe as acting police minister while he is fingered in the Zondo report, and that creates a possible conflict of interest in the investigation within SAPS,” Maleka told IOL.

Mantashe has consistently denied the allegations and is challenging the Zondo findings in court, but the PSA insists the public deserves swift and impartial justice.

Calls for Urgency in Police Corruption Inquiry

Maleka also criticized the timeline of the new commission of inquiry set up to investigate corruption within both the police and judiciary following explosive revelations from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi’s allegations of police and judicial capture by politicians and drug cartels have sparked widespread outrage and political upheaval, including the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.

“The PSA would have preferred that the timelines be shorter due to the urgency and seriousness of the allegations for the commission to investigate; we believe six months is too long for the public interest on the matter,” Maleka said.

He stressed the South African Police Service (SAPS) “is a crime scene and requires a sense of urgency”, recommending investigations conclude within two months.

Leadership Shuffle Amid Political Turmoil

Gwede Mantashe’s brief stint as acting police minister lasts only until the end of July, when Firoz Cachalia is expected to step in until the inquiry wraps up.

However, Cachalia’s appointment has also faced backlash. Opposition parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) argue that Cachalia is not a member of Cabinet or Parliament, making his appointment unconstitutional.

Public Reaction and Political Fallout

The ongoing saga has stirred a storm on social media, with citizens expressing frustration over repeated state capture scandals and the perceived slow pace of accountability.

Many question whether leadership changes without structural reforms can restore faith in SAPS and the justice system. Calls to “clean house” and implement tougher anti-corruption measures dominate public discourse.

Meanwhile, political parties remain sharply divided, with some dismissing the new inquiry as “a waste of taxpayers’ money,” further muddying the waters of an already volatile situation.

What This Means for South Africa

The appointment of a figure under a cloud of suspicion to lead the police, even temporarily, risks undermining public confidence in the fight against corruption, a battle South Africa cannot afford to lose.

As the country watches closely, pressure mounts on President Ramaphosa to balance political realities with demands for transparency, swift justice, and meaningful reform.

South Africa stands at a crossroads where leadership decisions echo far beyond official appointments. The handling of corruption probes, police leadership, and constitutional protocols will shape the nation’s path toward accountability and democratic resilience.

For now, the PSA’s warning rings loud and clear: trust in the police’s ability to police itself must not be compromised, and urgent action is needed to address systemic rot, before the public’s patience runs out.

{Source: IOL}

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