'State of insecurity' hits SA

BROKEN COMMAND: REVELATIONS SHOW HOW SAPS IS 'PLAYGROUND FOR CRIMINAL NETWORKS' >>→ Law enforcement no longer fit for purpose, experts warn.

- Masoka Dube

South Africa's security and law enforcement agencies are out of control and nothing less than a complete overhaul will restore stability in the security sector, say experts.

This follows the ongoing revelations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the parliamentary ad hoc committee about the rot within these organisations.

Since KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged in July that South African Police Service (Saps) management, politicians and senior employees in the country's justice system were collaborating with criminals, the country has been stunned by what has emerged.

Those who appeared before the two probes include on leave police minister Senzo Mchunu, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola; divisional commissioner for crime intelligence Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo; deputy national commissioner for crime detection, deputy police national commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya; and Mkhwanazi.

Security strategist Andy Mashaile said evidence and claims suggest a bleak picture with regard to the security establishment in the country.

"We need a complete overhaul. Imagine if Sibiya and Masemola are going to be working together with Mkhwanazi. Their relationships are irretrievably broken down," said Mashaile.

He said he doubted whether the minister and the national commissioner will ever be able to work together.

Mashaile added he believed Mchunu would not come back as police minister after the claims and counterclaims.