12 August 2025 | 13:40 CAT
2-minute read

Controversy has erupted following the appointment of a police brigadier allegedly linked to multi-million rand fraud and corruption to a key policing role in Pretoria’s Moot District. Despite lacking operational experience and reportedly never having worn a police uniform, the brigadier has been tasked with leading visible policing in one of Pretoria’s busiest precincts.

The appointment has drawn sharp criticism from political parties and civil society organisations alike. The Democratic Alliance (DA) called the decision “outrageous” and demanded an immediate reversal to safeguard the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Mzwandile Banjathwa, campaign coordinator for Corruption Watch, expressed deep concern over the implications of this move. “This is a very disturbing development that we are seeing but it’s nothing new because it’s corruption,” Banjathwa said, highlighting longstanding issues within SAPS.

A History of Corruption and Irregularities

Corruption within the SAPS has been well-documented. In 2019, Corruption Watch released a sectoral report detailing extensive irregularities in police recruitment and procurement processes. The report warned of increasing vulnerability to criminal infiltration within the force, an observation echoed by Banjathwa:

“We have raised this several times. What should happen now in your opinion? I mean heads should roll one would think?” Banjathwa said.

The scale of the problem is reflected in parliamentary disclosures. At one session, then-Minister of Police Bheki Cele revealed that over 6 800 SAPS members had criminal records, with 43 facing active charges, including serious offences such as fraud, corruption, and sexual crimes.

“Some of them are still serving within the SAPS even now,” Banjathwa noted.

This situation has eroded public trust and highlighted significant failings in the SAPS disciplinary system. Banjathwa described it as “deficient within the SAPS,” making effective accountability nearly impossible.

Recent Scandals and a Commission of Enquiry

The appointment controversy comes amid a turbulent period for SAPS leadership. A recent police briefing in KwaZulu-Natal led to the suspension of the police minister and the initiation of a Commission of Enquiry into alleged misconduct and failures within the police.

Banjathwa urged full support for the Commission’s work, emphasising the difficult task ahead.

“We must give the Commission of Enquiry all the support that it needs because its work is going to be very, very, very tough,” Bnajathwa said.

He underscored the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that the Commission’s findings lead to tangible outcomes: prosecutions and reforms that restore public confidence.

“The public are tired of these Commissions of Enquiry,” he said, noting the repeated failure to implement past recommendations. “It’s very important for us now to show excellence, to be decisive with the outcomes of this Commission.”

What This Means for Policing in Pretoria

The appointment of a brigadier who reportedly skipped all operational ranks and is out on bail for corruption charges to lead visible policing in Pretoria’s Moot District raises critical questions about leadership standards and the fight against corruption in the SAPS.

Civil society groups warn that such decisions undermine efforts to professionalise the police and jeopardise public safety. The DA has demanded that this appointment be reversed immediately.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.