Political Interference by Firoz Cachalia in SAPS Investigations

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the political interference by Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, who has sought to undermine the urgent work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in investigating political killings in KwaZuluNatal.

The controversy revolves around 121 dockets that were removed from the Political Killings Task Team earlier this year under the instruction of Crime Detection Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. These dockets relate to some of the most serious crimes in our democracy: politically motivated murders, attempted murders, and intimidation cases that have terrorised communities across KwaZulu Natal.

Earlier this year, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly revealed that the removal of the 121 dockets was not an innocent administrative reshuffle but a form of obstruction. He accused former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of directly interfering in the Task Team’s work, claims that have since triggered a judicial commission of inquiry into political interference in the criminal justice system.

On Thursday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced that the dockets would be returned to the Political Killings Task Team, allowing investigators to proceed with their work. Masemola’s decision was a direct attempt to undo obstruction and ensure that investigations, which had been stalled, could resume. Instead of welcoming this long-overdue step, Cachalia publicly criticised it claiming that he had requested a detailed report on the Task Team from the National Commissioner, a report which he has yet to receive.

He expressed concern that decisions regarding the dockets were being made before the commission of inquiry could investigate the matter. Such statements portray a profound misunderstanding of the role of commissions in a constitutional democracy. A commission of inquiry cannot replace police investigations. While the commission examines political interference, the police must continue their duty to investigate crime. To suggest that the return of 121 murder-related dockets should wait for the outcome of a commission is irrational, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible. It gives reprieve to assassins, delays justice for victims and their families, and undermines the very purpose of the SAPS.

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. Cachalia has used his first days in office not to strengthen the fight against crime, but to delay and frustrate it. Just last month he spoke against police who use necessary force to confront violent criminals, and now he seeks to stall the investigation of political killings. His approach is not only detached from the brutal realities of crime in South Africa but also amounts to a protection of criminals whether deliberate or not.

The EFF commends General Masemola for standing firm and ensuring the return of the dockets. His action demonstrates leadership in the face of interference and ensures that the work of investigating political violence continues. We urge police officers across the ranks to resist political manipulation and to speak out against Cachalia’s interference.

The EFF warns that allowing this interference to persist will embolden assassins who rely on delays and political shielding to avoid justice. The people of South Africa, who live daily under the threat of political violence, deserve swift investigations and arrests, not endless reports and academic debates.

The EFF has a complex relationship with the South African Communist Party (SACP).

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