Professor Firoz Cachalia

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

Spent the day working in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch today; conducting a series of engagements aimed at strengthening policing and community safety in the area.

The visit began with a comprehensive briefing on the Western Cape policing district, focusing on challenges faced by the Stellenbosch, Kayamandi, and Cloetesville police stations. I was joined by the newly appointed Acting National Commissioner, General Dimpane, the Deputy National Commissioner: Policing, the Acting Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection, Lt General Mosikili, Lt General Senthumule, and other senior SAPS officials.

Following the briefing, we engaged with a broad range of stakeholders to discuss a “whole of government, whole of society” approach to tackling crime.

Key concerns raised included:

- The limited capacity of the Kayamandi satellite police station, with calls for a fully-fledged station to better serve the community.

- High levels of extortion, coupled with underreporting due to fear and reluctance from community members.

- The unsuitable location and size of Cloetesville police station, with appeals for relocation and expansion.

- Persistent gangsterism, described as a generational challenge, despite ongoing social intervention programmes.

- The need for improved resourcing of police stations, including personnel and vehicles.

- The prevalence of Gender-Based Violence cases and the need for victim-sensitive approaches to reduce secondary trauma.

During the engagement, Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Damoyi highlighted the extent of underreporting of extortion cases and urged communities to come forward.

SAPS top management outlined measures to address concerns related to infrastructure and human resources, reaffirming their commitment to improving policing outcomes.
In my closing, I emphasised that the fight against crime requires collective action: government, law enforcement, and communities must work together.

I further noted that ongoing SAPS reforms are expected to bring meaningful improvements for both the organisation and the people of South Africa.

Lastly, we also conducted a walkabout at Cloetesville police station to assess infrastructure challenges impacting service delivery.

24/04/2026

RECAP | President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as Acting National Police Commissioner in a media briefing held earlier today at the Union Buildings.

"She brings extensive experience from SAPS and public service."

20/04/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 April 2026
�Acting Minister Urges SAPS Leadership to Adhere to Media Communication Protocols

�The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, notes with concern, the suspended Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner’s media briefing held yesterday, Sunday 19 April 2026, which was inconsistent with established professional protocols, including National Instruction 5 of 2017 on media communication within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The Minister expects all SAPS members, particularly those in senior positions, to adhere strictly to these established standards in their public communications, as non adherence constitutes misconduct. Any information relating to alleged misconduct or corruption must be referred to the appropriate authorities, including the Madlanga Commission, which is mandated to investigate and address such allegations.

Issued by the Ministry of Police.

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

The South African Police Service Website

18/04/2026

Concluded the day with a walkabout of the Bhekithemba Police Station in Umlazi, KZN, to note the complaints raised by the stakeholders about the condition of the police station.

We will engage with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure on attending to the building and yard to ensure that our officers work in a conducive environment.

18/04/2026

[Underway] Engagement with stakeholders from various sectors and organisations—including the CPF and educational institutions—in Umlazi to gain a lived, first-hand understanding of the crime experienced by communities.

18/04/2026

In Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal today, as part of a focused initiative targeting the country’s 50 highest-crime police stations. During the visit, I will receive briefings on the local crime landscape and operational challenges faced by officers at Umlazi and Bhekithemba police stations.