Deputy Minister Boshielo explains legal barrier to acting role

Deputy Police Minister, Dr Polly Boshielo speaks at a memorial service in Bloemfontein, Free State on May 6, 2025.

The Deputy Police Minister, Dr Polly Boshielo says in terms of the law, she cannot be appointed as acting minister. The appointment of Firoz Cachalia as acting minister has been met with mixed reactions.

This comes after allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Crime Detection Head Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with criminals.

Boshielo says, “You know, in terms of the law, the deputy minister can’t be appointed as Acting Minister, only if let’s say there’s a reshuffle, then they can be appointed. And in terms of what is happening in the department, everything is going as normal. We are waiting for the acting Minister to start working with us. Yes, we have spoken to our staff. I cannot lie to you, the morale is a little bit low.”