'His ideologies are highly problematic': Criminologist on Police Minister Firoz Cachalia
Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL
Professor Firoz Cachalia was officially sworn in as South Africa's new police minister on Friday, wading into the turbulent waters of law enforcement.
Cachalia's first day in office followed the dramatic departure of his predecessor, Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on special leave last month amid allegations from KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
IOL reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa presided over Cachalia's swearing-in ceremony at the Union Buildings, an event also attended by national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.
Speaking to IOL, renowned criminologist Professor Kholofelo Rakubu voiced her concerns about the timing of Cachalia's appointment, citing the "confusion" at the top of the crime-fighting body.
"It is his first day in office amid the technicalities of having two ministers of police. It becomes very difficult for a minister in a confusing era," said Rakubu, who is the head of the Tshwane University of Technology's Department of Law, Safety and Security Management.
"The current debacle and the commission of inquiry make matters worse. He might struggle to grasp the magnitude of issues in the SAPS and justice cluster at large."
Rakubu was particularly critical of Cachalia's policy stance on the use of force, arguing that his public opposition to the "shoot to kill" approach could embolden criminals.
"Prof Cachalia's ideologies are highly problematic. Particularly his views where he speaks against the use of force when effecting arrests," she said.
"How so, when South Africa's criminals are heavily armed and ready to shoot? He lacks understanding of the ambiguities and inconsistencies in the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977, particularly Section 49."
Renowned criminologist, Prof Kholofelo Rakubu, who is Head of Department at Tshwane University of Technology's recently merged Department of Law, Safety and Security Management.
Image: File
Rakubu also questioned whether Cachalia could effectively lead the SAPS, given ongoing allegations of political infiltration and organized criminal syndicates within the police service.
On Friday, journalists in Pretoria asked Cachalia to clarify his position on the "shoot to kill" approach. Cachalia stated he would not second-guess police officers when they are in the field.
'I am not going to second-guess police officers when they are in the field, when they have to deal with violent criminals," he said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
"It's for them to take whatever steps are necessary to subdue the criminal and to protect themselves, subject to the law."
Cachalia emphasized the importance of a lawful approach by the police officers, referencing past incidents of police brutality that had led to national outrage. He mentioned the Andries Tatane incident, where a community activist who was killed by police during a service delivery protest in 2011, and the Marikana Massacre. Cachalia cited both events, adding that they should make the country think carefully about the abuse of policing power.
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