In a move that’s raising eyebrows and sparking criticism, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as the Acting Minister of Police, effective immediately.
What a mess! – Gwede Mantashe appointed Acting Police Minister
This appointment will only last until 1 August, when Professor Firoz Cachalia is set to take up the position. The sudden shuffle comes amid growing turbulence within the South African Police Service (SAPS), marked by shocking allegations and swift administrative reactions.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why things are chaotic, and how all this affects our national police leadership.
Mantashe is currently the Minister of Mineral Resources, a role far removed from policing.
His appointment as acting police minister is unexpected and has led many to question why a political heavyweight in mining is suddenly in charge of policing.
The decision appears driven more by expediency than intent—Cachalia isn’t available to assume the police role until 1 August, and Ramaphosa needed someone in the interim.
This shake-up didn’t happen in isolation. Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya—Deputy National Commissioner responsible for crime detection—has been placed on “special leave.”
The move followed explosive claims from Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KZN provincial police commissioner. Mkhwanazi alleged that Sibiya colluded with alleged information peddler Brown Mogotsi and then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband a task force investigating politically motivated killings in KwaZulu‑Natal.
Sibiya denies the allegations, calling them “baseless lies,” and suggests they stem from internal tensions after the arrest of crime-intelligence chief Dumisani Khumalo.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola reportedly tasked one of her deputies, Tebello Mosikili, to inform Sibiya of his leave. Sibiya accepted the order and said:
“We are not suspending you, but because there are investigations ongoing, we suggest that you stay at home … and I am happy to do so.”
Ramaphosa, addressing the nation on Sunday, emphasised the gravity of these claims.
He announced a judicial commission of inquiry, which will be led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. This commission will have the power to compel testimony, gather evidence, and make recommendations for criminal investigations and suspensions within both law enforcement and judicial structures.