The chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police integrity, Ian Cameron, has called for an urgent investigation into systemic corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). This follows damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, exposing deep-rooted rot in the police force.
Cameron stated, “The allegations are not only damning to a few individuals but allege a systematic weakening of the police to enable corruption and undermining of the rule of law. The revelations paint a picture of a weak system, corruption-riddled institution, and a system that can be manipulated at the whims of a connected few.”
He emphasised that SAPS must be beyond reproach to effectively combat crime, yet recent scandals—including the arrest of senior Crime Intelligence officers for fraud—highlight an alarming integrity deficit.
Cameron urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritise an intensive probe, saying, “The committee welcomes the assurance that the President will give the matter due regard upon his return from Brazil but has urged that this matter be priority number one.”
Additionally, he called for:
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A commission to investigate SAPS corruption with a strict timeline.
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Independent lifestyle audits for senior officers (Brigadier level and above).
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Vetting of all high-ranking SAPS officials.
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Restructuring Crime Intelligence to exclude compromised individuals.
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A skills audit for senior SAPS management.
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Increased resources for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Cameron warned that SAPS cannot continue employing criminals, citing former Minister Bheki Cele’s 2023 admission that 4,000 of 5,000 arrested officers were still serving. “Words without action are hollow and erode the little trust that remains between the police and South Africans,” he declared.
The committee seeks an urgent parliamentary debate and has requested a meeting with key officials to demand accountability. “We cannot continue one more day with criminals masquerading as police officers,” Cameron stressed.
The crisis demands immediate intervention to restore SAPS credibility and public safety.
