CACHALIA TAKES REINS WITH REFORM

EXCLUSIVE: 'I accepted it as a duty, not accolade'

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

FACING a department rocked by political interference claims and crumbling public trust, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says the real work starts now.

He was sworn in at the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In an exclusive interview since taking office, he spoke to Independent Media about the weight of the portfolio, the urgent need for reform, and his no-frills approach to the task.

“T recognised the tremendous responsibility,” said Cachalia. “I am braced for it. I’ve spent my whole life concerned about the country’s political situation - and when the President asked me to take this on, I accepted it as a duty, not an accolade.”

Following explosive allegations from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that a criminal syndicate had penetrated key state institutions and claims of ministerial interference, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and appointed Firoz Cachalia as acting minister pending a commission of inquiry.

Cachalia said his immediate focus will be on assembling a trusted team and evaluating the department’s core operations.

“I’m not starting afresh,” he said. “I’ll assess what changes are necessary, but that can only happen after proper engagement and a deeper understanding of the department's objectives.”