Cachalia won't apologise for Mkhwanazi's combat gear criticism

ACTING Police Minister Firoz Cachalia believes his remarks expressing concern about KwaZulu-Natal Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in combat gear do not warrant an apology.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe asked Cachalia to apologise to Mkhwanazi after the acting minister conceded that he did not know if the wearing of the Task Force Unit uniform was legal or not.

Mkhwazi donned the uniform when he made serious allegations of corruption within the SAPS and attempts by criminal syndicates to infiltrate the organisation allegedly with the help of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has since been placed on enforced leave.

Cachalia had earlier said that he was concerned about the image of someone dressed like a soldier, appearing in public making statements.

When Shongwe pressed the acting minister to apologise, Cachalia said that he had never said Mkhwanazi was not entitled to wear the uniform or it was illegal to do so.