Professor Firoz Cachalia

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

Congratulations to Ms Omar on her appointment. We wish her well in the role.

28/08/2026

Release of the First Quarter Crime Statistics.

25/08/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

Acting Minister of Police receives briefing on Knysna killings, commends investigators for progress

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, has visited Knysna in the Western Cape following the tragic murders of former Knysna Mayor and Councillor, Mr Aubrey Tsengwa, and two other men, Mr Tyololo and Mr Matiwane, in separate incidents last week.

During his visit, the Acting Minister received a comprehensive briefing from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the investigations into the killings and the progress made by the investigating teams. Minister Cachalia also met with the Mayor and Council members, as well as the ANC in the province, given that their members were the victims of these crimes.

Four suspects are in custody and have been charged with conspiracy to commit the murder of Mr Tsengwa. One suspect will appear before the Knysna Magistrate’s Court tomorrow whilst the other three suspects will appear again on Monday, 31 August 2026, for formal bail applications.

Minister Cachalia was also briefed on the investigation into the shooting on Thursday night in which Mr Tyololo and Mr Matiwane were killed. The investigation remains ongoing.

During his visit to Knysna, the Acting Minister also visited the families of Mr Tsengwa, Mr Tyololo and Mr Matiwane to convey his condolences and pay his respects.

The Acting Minister commended the SAPS investigative teams for the progress made thus far and urged them to continue working with determination to ensure that all those responsible are identified, arrested and brought before the courts, expressing the following: “_The progress made in these investigations demonstrates that the police are pursuing every available lead. We must ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice. My visit to these families was not only to convey my condolences, but to assure them that the State has a responsibility to pursue justice. We owe it to the families and to the people of Knysna to ensure that these investigations receive the attention and resources they require_”.

*Ends*

*For media releases, speeches and news visit the SAPS portal at: www.saps.gov.za*

The South African Police Service Website

23/08/2026

Underway: Honoured to have been invited to the commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the inauguration of the 12th Board of Directors of the Chinese Fujian Association.

The Deputy National Commissioner: Policing, Lt General Tebello Mosikili as well as a number of Provincial Commissioners are also in attendance.

South Africa and China share a relationship that extends well beyond formal diplomatic ties. It encompasses trade and investment, education, infrastructure development, technology, culture, tourism and cooperation in the fight against crime.

Today, the Chinese community will make a donation to the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET) - an initiative they have been supporting. SAPSET exists to ensure that the children of SAPS members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty are given an opportunity to pursue their education and build meaningful futures. Their support is an investment in the lives, dreams and futures of the children of our fallen police officers.

Through the generosity of our partners and donors, over 2000 children have been afforded educational opportunities through SAPSET.

More than 150 of these young people have gone on to matriculate, and many have continued to pursue higher education and professional careers. Today, we can proudly say that among the beneficiaries are young people who have qualified as lawyers and doctors, while others have graduated with diplomas and degrees in various fields. These achievements tell a powerful story.

Behind every qualification is a child who was given an opportunity. Behind every graduate is a family that was supported. And behind every successful young person is the legacy of a police officer who dedicated their life to protecting South Africans.

16/08/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

Sunday, 16 August 2026

Acting Minister Cachalia commends police and community for second arrest in Reiger Park shooting

The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, has commended the multidisciplinary team led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), EMPD, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and flying squad, as well as the Reiger Park community following the arrest of a second suspect in connection with the tragic shooting in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, on 7 August 2026.

The shooting claimed the lives of two members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, as well as two young civilian women. The arrest of the second suspect follows the arrest of the first suspect last week, who has since appeared in court. These developments demonstrate the commitment and determination of our law enforcement teams to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought before the courts to face justice but also highlight the importance of communities working together with the police.

In his commendation, Minister Cachalia expressed the following: “We commend the members of all the teams involved in this investigation for the progress that has been made. The arrest of a second suspect is another important step towards ensuring that everyone responsible for this senseless loss of life is held accountable. We thank the members of the community who have worked with our law enforcement teams and provided information that has assisted in advancing this investigation. The cooperation between communities and the police is critical in ensuring that those who commit such heinous crimes are brought to justice. We continue to mourn the loss of these two brave members who dedicated their lives to fighting gangs and protecting our communities. We also remember the two young women whose lives were tragically cut short. Our thoughts remain with all the bereaved families during this difficult period. We encourage the community to continue working with the police and to share any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending those who remain at large.”

Ends

Issued by the Ministry of Police.

For media releases, speeches and news visit the SAPS portal at:

The South African Police Service Website

09/08/2026

Following an inspection of the scene where two Anti-Gang Unit members as well as two civilians lost their lives on Friday night in Reiger Park, we went with the Premier of Gauteng as well as the SAPS Top management led by the Acting National Commissioner to the families of 28-year-old Constable Sphiwe Sibeko, and 29-year-old Constable Thapelo Tlomatsane to pay our respects.

We assured the family that the police will leave no stone unturned in the hunt for the perpetrators responsible for the killing of these SAPS officers.

08/08/2026

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Saturday, 8 August 2026

Acting Minister of Police to visit scene of fatal shooting of Anti-Gang Unit members in Reiger Park

The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, together with the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Dimpane and the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Mthombeni, will visit the scene in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, where two civilian women and two members of the Anti-Gang Unit tragically lost their lives last night.

Members of the media are invited to assemble at the scene.

Details:
* Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026
* Time: 14:00
* Location: Erika street, Reiger Park - location pin will be shared in the various media groups.

Ends.

Issued by the Ministry of Police.

For media releases, speeches and news visit the SAPS portal at:

The South African Police Service Website

04/08/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, 4 August 2026

Acting Minister of Police convenes high-level meeting to strengthen coordinated response to deaths and criminality at initiation schools

The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, today convened a high-level meeting with the Ministry of Police, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial Commissioners, Premiers and Members of the Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for Community Safety to strengthen government's response to the challenges associated with initiation schools.

The meeting follows the recent engagement convened by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), which brought together key stakeholders to address matters relating to illegal initiation schools, the tragic deaths of initiates, and the role of government in preventing these incidents while safeguarding legitimate cultural practices.

The Deputy National Commissioner: Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, who also serves as the Chairperson of NATJOINTS, presented a comprehensive situational report detailing the number of initiation-related deaths, arrests effected by law enforcement, as well as the number of registered legal initiation schools and those identified as operating unlawfully.

The meeting welcomed the presentation, noting that it provides a valuable operational picture that will inform targeted interventions by law enforcement and other government departments.

Discussions that followed highlighted a number of operational and coordination challenges experienced across provinces. Provincial Commissioners emphasised the need for stronger coordination between government, law enforcement and all stakeholders responsible for regulating and overseeing initiation schools.

Minister Cachalia noted the concerns and resolved that they will form part of the report to be submitted to the Minister of CoGTA. The report will also include practical recommendations aimed at strengthening intergovernmental coordination and ensuring a more integrated approach to addressing illegal initiation schools and preventing avoidable deaths.

The meeting further resolved to enhance collaboration between provincial governments, the SAPS, traditional leaders and recognised initiation school leadership to improve compliance with applicable legislation, facilitate information sharing and strengthen enforcement efforts against illegal operators.

Ends.

Issued by the Ministry of Police.

For media releases, speeches and news visit the SAPS portal at:

The South African Police Service Website