‘I’m up for the task!’ – Cachalia takes charge amid explosive police scandal

Cachalia

Cape Town – Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa after Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave, says he’s committed to serving despite the troubling circumstances.

Mchunu was implicated in alleged corruption and political interference within the police by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Speaking during an interview with Kaya News, Chachalia said: “Of course it’s a great honour to serve our country… the circumstamces of my appointment are deeply troubling for the country, but I am up for the task.

“I’m fully aware of the weight of the responsibility that I now have and… your listeners can have my assurance of complete commitment to this task.”

According to EWN, Cachalia, a Wits law professor and anti-corruption council chair, aims to focus on tackling drugs, violent crime, and organised crime.

“So I think the focus also has to be on the effectiveness of the police in dealing with crime, particularly those that have a strong impact on communities. I’m thinking about drugs, for instance, violent crime, and of course, we have a problem of organised crime. So, I’m still wrapping my head around what the priorities need to be,” the report quoted him as saying.

Cachalia, a former anti-apartheid activist and Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, has a strong background in law and public service, The Citizen said.

He currently chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and will take up the role fully in August after retiring from academia.

His appointment has sparked criticism from the EFF, who argue it violates the Constitution, although legal provisions allow for ministers to be appointed from outside Parliament.

Supporters, including his cousin Ghaleb Cachalia, defend his credentials but warn of the challenges ahead due to deep-rooted corruption in the ANC and police, the report said.

A caretaker minister will be appointed until Cachalia assumes office.

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