-
Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia seen at a SAPS press briefing.
Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, says he thought the press conference held by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July, was not appropriate.
Cachalia is appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, looking into matters of national security.
The committee was established after Mkhwanazi’s allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.
Cachalia has been in the position since August, after Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave. He explained his impressions of Mkhwanazi’s press briefing.
“That kind of public statement was not in any ordinary situation appropriate, because police have command structure and professional conduct requires respect for that structure of authority.”
However, Cachalia added that he believes if structures are not functioning the way they should, individuals occupying senior positions should have the courage to speak out.
“Where extreme situations arise and those norms not working, as now, one expects bold, courageous conduct from those who hold important positions in society, to tell the truth the way they see it, no matter the harm to them personally.”
VIDEO | Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s appearance before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee:
