Cape Town – The EFF has accused acting police minister Firoz Cachalia of interfering in investigations into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
This follows Cachalia’s remarks questioning the return of 121 murder-related dockets to the SAPS political killings task team.
Cachalia argued that a commission of inquiry, chaired by retired judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, should first review the dockets before further action.
The EFF rejected this stance, saying commissions cannot replace police investigations and warning that delays would give assassins reprieve and deny justice to victims’ families.
“Such statements portray a profound misunderstanding of the role of commissions. A commission of inquiry cannot replace investigations. To suggest that the 121 murder-related dockets should wait for the outcome of the commission is irrational, dangerous and irresponsible. It gives reprieve to assassins, delays justice for victims and their families, and undermines the purpose of the SAPS,” the EFF said.
The EFF’s Statement on Political Interference by Firoz Cachalia on SAPS Investigations
-Cachalia, irregularly appointed to an office that has no constitutional basis for an “acting minister”, has in less than a month already revealed himself to be an obstacle to justice.… pic.twitter.com/kmpqRFz9kN
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 30, 2025
It added: “Cachalia’s irregular appointment to an office that has no constitutional basis for an ‘acting minister’, has in less than a month already revealed himself to be an obstacle to justice. Cachalia has used his first days in office not to strengthen the fight against crime, but to delay and frustrate it.”
The party also slammed Cachalia’s appointment as “irregular” and claimed his actions undermine justice.
Meanwhile, the EFF praised national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola for showing “leadership” by pushing ahead with the dockets despite interference.
The controversy comes after senior police officials, including deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and police minister Senzo Mchunu, were accused of meddling in political murder probes.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
