Experts, analysts cautiously optimistic as new police minister assumes office

WITH all eyes on newly appointed Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, crime experts and analysts are cautiously optimistic about what his appointment could mean for policing reform and national security in South Africa.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

Cachalia was sworn into office yesterday following the bombshell allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that a powerful criminal syndicate had infiltrated the country's law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and even the judiciary.

Mkhwanazi accused police minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in sensitive investigations and colluding with a murder-accused businessman to disband a task team probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.