Speaking during a briefing from the committee, Cameron said the allegations exposed deep-rooted corruption and a systematic weakening of the Police Service and the broader criminal justice system. “These revelations are not only damning to a few individuals, they point to a corrupt, broken system that can be manipulated at the whims of a connected few.”

During a media briefing, Mkhwanazi made explosive corruption allegations against some of the country’s most influential officials. He revealed that confiscated phones contain WhatsApp messages that allegedly show connections between a crime syndicate member, Minister Senzo Mchunu, and an ally of the minister.

[WATCH] KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on the arrest of the businessman Vusimuzi Matlala and the alleged relationship with the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. pic.twitter.com/X8eJe0XAfZ

— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 6, 2025

Cameron proposed a series of urgent reforms, including:

• An ad hoc inquiry or commission with a strict timeline to investigate corruption allegations, particularly relating to dockets referenced by General Mkhwanazi. Cameron insisted these dockets be frozen pending independent review.
• External lifestyle audits for all senior SAPS officers from Brigadier upwards, amid serious concerns over security clearance failures and suspect promotions. “Appointments continue despite backlogs in vetting. Many senior officers do not have the required top-secret clearance,” he noted.
• Independent vetting of senior officers, as Cameron expressed a lack of confidence in the current internal vetting process.
• Reconfiguration of Crime Intelligence, with a focus on employing only “fit and proper” individuals. “We must avoid recycling incompetence or corruption,” he warned.
• A comprehensive skills audit of SAPS senior management, which Parliament resolved in 2024 but has yet to be implemented.
• Proper resourcing of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure independence in investigating police corruption. “IPID investigators work under immense pressure, and their capacity is being undermined.”

Cameron expressed grave concern about police’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate, saying recent developments indicate a significant “integrity deficit” across the police service. He cited the recent arrests of senior officers in crime intelligence on fraud and corruption charges, saying it proves that urgent intervention is required.

The committee, he said, welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statement from Brazil that he will give the matter due attention upon his return. However, Cameron urged that the investigation into the corruption allegations be made the President’s top priority.

"I believe in the rule of law, and I believe in due process needing to be followed. Now, my question is: if General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi simply went and opened a case, can any of us comfortably say that it would have been investigated?" - DA MP Ian Cameron

"Unfortunately, I can't… pic.twitter.com/xuhZXMYaDG

— News Live SA (@newslivesa) July 7, 2025

The committee reiterated its long-standing call for comprehensive skills and lifestyle audits, particularly targeting SAPS senior management and the crime intelligence division. Cameron went further, proposing the establishment of an Integrity Commission to root out corruption and restore public trust.

“There isn’t a single member of this committee who hasn’t raised concerns over the lack of lifestyle audits. The people of South Africa deserve to know that SAPS is composed of men and women who serve the public – not themselves.”

Cameron confirmed that the Portfolio Committee has already written to the Speaker of Parliament and the House Chairperson to request an urgent meeting. He said all stakeholders involved will be called to account. “We cannot allow one more day to go by with criminals masquerading as police officers.”

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