House Chairperson, the Madlanga Commission exposed grave police corruption, and the ACDP commends the Specialised Task Team for concrete action in suspending 18 officers, with prosecutions already underway. It is a disgrace to note that community safety and policing in our country is under the jurisdiction and leadership of an Acting Police Minister and Acting National Commissioner because of allegations of corruption in the police.
The ACDP specifically commends Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for the courage he showed on the 6th of July when, during his media briefing, he exposed serious corruption and rot in the police service. Had he not done so, criminality in the country would have continued unabated, and we’re grateful that he did what he did. Now, hope is being restored—that criminality in the police will finally be rooted out.
We agree with the Portfolio Committee report noting that there is weak accountability in SAPS leadership, severe resource constraints in IPID, poor co-ordination between oversight bodies, and persistent corruption. These must be addressed requiring stronger financial controls and transparent reporting to Parliament.
The recent Parliamentary ad hoc investigation into police procurement irregularities revealed systemic failures in contract management, with millions wasted on equipment unfit for purpose.
Honourable Chair, yet again we face findings that demand reform. History warns us that demand for reform does not guarantee delivery. The Zondo and Seriti Commissions revealed systemic rot, yet prosecutions remain slow. We hope that the Madlanga Commission does not join that list.
Sentences of the corrupt must not be evaded by contrived illness or manufactured mental incapacity. Justice must be seen to be done at all times.
The Civilian Secretariat has a daunting challenge to accelerate programmes that rebuild trust between communities and police, especially in the face of gender-based violence, youth crime and gangs where trust has been eroded. Without community buy-in, reforms will fail.
The ACDP calls not only for adequate funding for IPID, but strict accountability in SAPS leadership, and genuine community-centred policing. We also call for a moral reformation within the police. With the rot cut out we can restore integrity and justice to our law enforcement institutions.
I thank you.
