Mkhwanazi's combat uniform got me worried, says Cachalia

ACTING Police Minister Firoz Cachalia yesterday said the press conference by KwaZulu-Natal commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6 was unusual and had him worried.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA [e-mail]

"His appearance before the public in full military regalia, armed and so forth worried me and I made a statement to that effect after my appointment.

"I said at the time, which I maintain is correct, that kind of public statement was not in the ordinary situation in the expected situation, appropriate because police have command structures. There is a national commissioner and there is a minister and a president," Cachalia said.

He was giving testimony to the parliamentary inquiry that is probing the allegations that were made by Mkhwanazi at the press conference.

Mkhwanazi's explosive press conference led to the suspension of then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and subsequently to Cachalia's appointment on August 1. It also led to the establishment of the parliamentary inquiry and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.