Cameron Chides Feuding Police Forces
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has noted with concern the ongoing public dispute between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
Cameron believes the public exchange undermines their credibility and weakens their ability to fight crime.
“The media spectacle that has unfolded in recent times does little to enhance the legitimacy of either institution,” he says.
According to a statement realised by the parliamentary committee, Cameron is set to engage with the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to jointly seek clarity on the broader concerns, whilst emphasising that senior law enforcement officials cannot be allowed to publicly undermine the institutions entrusted with upholding the law. released
While acknowledging IDAC's clarification regarding the suspended arrest warrants for Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo and Major-General Nosipho Madondo, Cameron expressed fear that the decision erodes public confidence. He questioned the rationale that operational considerations or anti-immigration protests could justify halting duly authorised warrants.
“The considerations identified by IDAC as reasons for suspending the warrants appear, on the surface, implausible and create a perception of undue interference,” Cameron stated.
He stressed that any individual who has a case to answer must be subjected to the judicial process without any form of favouritism.
“If arrest warrants were lawfully obtained and subsequently not executed, the public deserves a clear answer: who instructed IDAC not to proceed with the arrests, and on what lawful basis was that decision made?” Cameron queried.
He has subsequently called on the President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure that those in authority exercise disciplined leadership over their respective institutions.
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