The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia for interfering in the South African Police Service (SAPS) investigations into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
The party accuses Cachalia of undermining urgent police work.
Earlier this year, Crime Detection Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya ordered the removal of 121 dockets from the Political Killings Task Team.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi revealed that the removal of the dockets amounted to obstruction, not an administrative shuffle.
He accused former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of direct interference, which led to the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry into political meddling in the justice system.
Masemola Reverses Obstruction
On Thursday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced that the dockets would return to the Political Killings Task Team.
His decision sought to undo the obstruction and allow investigations to resume.
Instead of welcoming the move, Cachalia criticised it, claiming he had not received a detailed report from Masemola.
EFF Criticises Cachalia’s Appointment and Conduct
Cachalia argued that decisions about the dockets should be deferred until the commission of inquiry.
The EFF says this shows a misunderstanding of the commission’s role in a democracy.
According to the EFF, commissions investigate interference, but police must continue investigating crimes.
The EFF says delaying investigations until the commission concludes is irrational and dangerous.
The party warns that this delay protects assassins, denies justice to victims, and undermines SAPS.
The EFF rejects Cachalia’s irregular appointment as “acting minister,” calling it unconstitutional. The party accuses him of obstructing justice within his first month in office.
According to the EFF, Cachalia has frustrated efforts to fight crime instead of strengthening them.
The party recalls that he recently opposed police use of force against violent criminals, and now he is stalling political killings investigations.
The EFF argues that his actions protect criminals, whether deliberate or not.
EFF Commends SAPS Leadership
The EFF praises General Masemola for standing firm and ensuring the return of the dockets.
The party says his actions demonstrate leadership and protect the work of investigating political violence.
The EFF urges police officers to resist manipulation and speak out against Cachalia’s interference.
The EFF warns that continued interference will embolden assassins who rely on political shielding to evade justice.
The party insists that South Africans living under the threat of political violence deserve swift investigations and arrests, not delays or endless debates.
Should political leaders face consequences for obstructing murder investigations?
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