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Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia's testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Police today raised more uncertainty than clarity about the direction of South Africa’s troubled police service.

Although he has already spent several months in office, Minister Cachalia was unable to outline a concrete plan or timeline to restore accountability, discipline, or public trust in the South African Police Service. Instead, he leaned heavily on talk of “consultation” and “future collaboration,” leaving pressing questions unresolved.

When asked how he intends to rebuild credibility within the service, Cachalia acknowledged that he has no ready plan. He explained that reform would depend on broad engagement and improved capacity within SAPS. It was a vague answer that offers little assurance to communities living under the constant threat of crime.

Equally concerning was his hesitation to support an audit of police promotions and appointments from the past fifteen years, a crucial step toward tackling political interference and corruption that have weakened the organisation. Rather than committing to accountability, he suggested it might be preferable to focus on the future instead of reviewing past failures.

South Africans cannot afford further delays. They deserve immediate and measurable steps from a minister who is ready to act decisively to restore integrity and competence in policing.

The DA again calls for an independent audit of senior SAPS appointments and promotions, the reinstatement of internal disciplinary units to enforce professionalism, and swift implementation of the new SAPS structure to strengthen service delivery.

The DA remains ready to engage with Minister Cachalia in good faith to help rebuild a capable and trusted police service. But progress will depend on moving from broad intentions to visible action that begins to rebuild confidence in SAPS.

Issued by Ian Cameron MP - DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police