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<\/p>\n12 August 2025 | 13:40 CAT
\n2-minute read<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s 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\u2019s busiest precincts.<\/p>\n
The appointment has drawn sharp criticism from political parties and civil society organisations alike. The Democratic Alliance (DA) called the decision \u201coutrageous\u201d and demanded an immediate reversal to safeguard the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS).<\/p>\n
Speaking to Radio Islam International, Mzwandile Banjathwa<\/strong>, campaign coordinator for Corruption Watch, expressed deep concern over the implications of this move. \u201cThis is a very disturbing development that we are seeing but it\u2019s nothing new because it\u2019s corruption,\u201d Banjathwa said, highlighting longstanding issues within SAPS.<\/p>\n A History of Corruption and Irregularities<\/strong><\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n \u201cWe have raised this several times. What should happen now in your opinion? I mean heads should roll one would think?\u201d Banjathwa said.<\/p>\n The scale of the problem is reflected in parliamentary disclosures. At one session, then-Minister of Police Bheki Cele<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of them are still serving within the SAPS even now,\u201d Banjathwa noted.<\/p>\n This situation has eroded public trust and highlighted significant failings in the SAPS disciplinary system. Banjathwa described it as \u201cdeficient within the SAPS,\u201d making effective accountability nearly impossible.<\/p>\n Recent Scandals and a Commission of Enquiry<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Banjathwa urged full support for the Commission\u2019s work, emphasising the difficult task ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must give the Commission of Enquiry all the support that it needs because its work is going to be very, very, very tough,\u201d Bnajathwa said.<\/p>\n He underscored the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that the Commission\u2019s findings lead to tangible outcomes: prosecutions and reforms that restore public confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cThe public are tired of these Commissions of Enquiry,\u201d he said, noting the repeated failure to implement past recommendations. \u201cIt\u2019s very important for us now to show excellence, to be decisive with the outcomes of this Commission.\u201d<\/p>\n What This Means for Policing in Pretoria<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n