Cachalia urges SAPS members to follow proper media protocols

Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia

Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says that efforts are underway to restore public trust and boost the morale of officers on the ground.

This follows a statement released on Monday by the Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, who expressed concern over a media briefing held on Sunday by the suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Daphney Manamela.

During the briefing, Manamela accused National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, of protecting corrupt officers. She also alleged that her suspension was as a result of her taking action against members implicated in extortion and corruption.

Manamela further claims that she had sought intervention from Masemola regarding challenges she faced, but received no response.

Mogotsi says the Minister’s statement serves as a reminder to SAPS members to follow proper protocols when reporting corruption and misconduct.

“The Minister’s statement is more to caution the members of the SAPS against making public utterances, as opposed to following the relevant channels that are there. So, it’s not necessarily to say that the Minister is saying that he will be taking disciplinary measures. Because as you can recall, the Minister exercises executive authority over the portfolio, whereas the National Commissioner is the one that exercises control over and manages the Police Service. So, the Minister in essence wanted to caution members of the SAPS, senior members, but also junior members regardless of rank, just cautioning them to say there are relevant protocols that you need to follow, but also there are various institutions where you can report corruption and misconduct to.”