President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police after placing Senzo Mchunu on special leave amid serious corruption allegations linked to South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
Ramaphosa looks outside of politics for Senzo Mchunu’s interim successor
Cachalia’s appointment follows revelations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that suggest high-level political interference in policing and possible collusion with organised crime networks.
President Ramaphosa, in a national address on Sunday, stressed the seriousness of allegations raised by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi.
These include interference in investigations, involvement of criminal syndicates within law enforcement and the judiciary, and suppression of prosecutions.
Ramaphosa announced a judicial commission of inquiry, to be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with wide-ranging powers to compel testimony, investigate criminality, and recommend suspensions.
Who is Firoz Cachalia?
An academic with practical roots in policing
Firoz Cachalia, 67, is a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and director of the Mandela Institute.
He is due to retire later this month. He has built a career in constitutional law and is known internationally for his academic expertise.
But Cachalia is no stranger to public service. He served as Gauteng’s MEC for Community Safety from 2004 to 2009 and then as MEC for Economic Development until 2010.
That background gives him both a legal and practical understanding of the country’s criminal justice challenges.
Chair of South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog
Cachalia currently chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (Nacac). Fourteen months ago, he handed President Ramaphosa a detailed report criticising the South African Police Service (SAPS), especially its Crime Intelligence division.
The report painted a picture of dysfunction, poor leadership, and interference by political figures. It included recommendations for reforms such as integrity checks for police leadership and better coordination with anti-corruption bodies.
The report has not been made public, nor has Ramaphosa responded to it formally.
Political independence and ANC heritage
Though politically affiliated with the ANC, Cachalia’s public style is noted for being calm, firm, and independent. He is widely respected for his principled approach to public service.
He hails from a prominent family with deep roots in the liberation struggle.
His brother is Judge Azhar Cachalia and his cousin is former DA MP Ghaleb Cachalia.
A key player in the country’s law enforcement reform
Cachalia’s interim appointment comes at a time of growing public concern over safety, violent crime, and the state of policing.
Ramaphosa’s decision to look beyond parliament for an acting minister was made under Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, allowing the President to appoint no more than two ministers from outside the National Assembly.
Cachalia is expected to assume his role fully in August, after his retirement from Wits. An acting minister from within Cabinet will serve temporarily in the interim.
In the meantime, Cachalia’s role will be pivotal in safeguarding SAPS’s credibility and ensuring the police service continues to function without disruption.