EFF Claims Minister Cachalia's Actions Delay Justice in Political Killings Investigation
- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accuses Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, of political interference
- The EFF said Cachalia undermine the urgent work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in investigating political killings
- The controversy revolves around 121 dockets that were removed from the Political Killings Task Team
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accused Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, of political interference. The EFF said Cachalia undermines the urgent work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
Source: Getty Images
What did the EFF say?
The EFF said the interference will embolden assassins who rely on delays and political shielding to avoid justice. It said that South Africans deserve swift investigations and arrests, not endless reports and academic debates.
The EFF said this stance undermines police investigations, delaying justice for victims and their families. The party also questioned Cachalia’s conduct in office, noting that he previously opposed police using force against violent criminals, and now appears to stall investigations into political killings
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The party said that Cachalia's suggestion that the 121 murder-related dockets should wait for the outcome of a commission is very dangerous.
"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," the EFF said.
121 dockets
Earlier this year, 121 dockets involving murders, attempted murders, and intimidation cases were removed from the Political Killings Task Team on the instruction of Crime Detection Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi described the removal as deliberate interference, accusing former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of obstructing the Task Team’s work, a claim now under scrutiny by a judicial commission of inquiry.
The EFF commended General Masemola for ensuring that the dockets are returned to the Political Killings Task Team. The party stated that Masemola's actions demonstrate leadership in the face of interference and ensure that investigations into political violence continue. They urged police officers at all levels to resist political manipulation and to speak out against Cachalia’s interference.
Source: Getty Images
What did South Africans say?
Social media users shared their opinions regarding the statement issued by the EFF.
@MrNoNonsens53 said:
"Heard the whole EFF was found guilty of Hate Speech. That's nice finally you helped us more than you know. Thank you very much for exposing yourselves like this. Let the reconning begin."
@MonamaSoll said:
"Cachalia was sent by Satan to do his best to elevate evil and more evil."
@BanksOupa2 said:
"Agree 200% with EFF on this one. It was disappointing to hear the Acting Police Minister to stop the investigation. Why should the Police wait for the commission that has not even started when people are dying. The commission is already delayed with all kind of excuses."
@Tshuma773208 said:
"Senzo did interfere by the look of things. These comments from the Minister it's reason enough to fire Senzo."
@Thokoza88288017 said:
"He must be summoned to the Portfolio Committee on Police soonest!! He must come explain himself."
Cachalia unhappy that 121 dockets returned
In a previous article, Briefly News reported that the Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, slammed the Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola's decision regarding the Political Killings Task Team.
Masemola said that the 121 dockets, which were removed from the Task Team, have been returned, and a Gauteng unit will be established.
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi suspends SAPS officers for misusing van for matric farewell
Meanwhile, South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi suspended police officers who accompanied a high school learner to a matric farewell with a police escort in Estcourt. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster shared a statement on its @CrimeWatch_RSA X account.
A video of the incident was attached to the statement. In the video, an armed member of the police force steps outside of a police van at a matric farewell. Moments later, a learner is seen walking on a red carpet.
Mkhwanazi instructed the officers to be removed from duty temporarily and initiated an internal disciplinary process. He confirmed that the officers were accompanying the child of a colleague and slammed them.
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Source: Briefly News
