Parliament, Wednesday, 24 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has noted with concern the ongoing public dispute between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). He is of the view that the public exchange between the two law enforcement agencies undermines their credibility and, in turn, weakens their ability to effectively execute their mandates in the fight against crime.
“The media spectacle that has unfolded in recent times does little to enhance the legitimacy of either institution. At face value, it presents a law enforcement apparatus in disarray, preoccupied with internal battles rather than the safety and security of the people of South Africa,” said Mr Cameron.
Mr Cameron indicated that he will engage with the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development with a view to both committees jointly seeking clarity on the broader concerns raised by the parties involved. He emphasised that the matter is not about choosing between IDAC and SAPS. Rather, both institutions must be allowed to execute their mandates independently, lawfully and without fear, favour or political pressure. The central concern is whether the rule of law is being protected, or whether senior law enforcement officials are publicly undermining the credibility of the very institutions entrusted with upholding it.
While acknowledging the clarification provided by IDAC regarding the suspension of arrest warrants issued for Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and Major General Nosipho Madondo, Mr Cameron expressed concern that the circumstances surrounding the decision have the potential to weaken the rule of law and erode public confidence in the criminal justice system.
“The considerations identified by IDAC as reasons for suspending the warrants appear, on the surface, implausible and create a perception of undue interference,” said Mr Cameron. He stressed the importance of transparency regarding the decision to suspend the warrants and called on IDAC to clarify who intervened in the process and on what basis such intervention occurred. According to the Chairperson, this clarity is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the process, uphold public confidence in the criminal justice system and dispel any perception of political interference.
The Chairperson further emphasised that any individual who has a case to answer must be allowed to proceed through the judicial process without prolonged uncertainty or suspicion. He reiterated that all persons are equal before the law, irrespective of the positions they hold.
“It is therefore important that any individual who has a case to answer be subjected to the judicial process without humiliation, favouritism or arbitrary interventions,” said Mr Cameron. He stressed that the administration of justice must be guided by the rule of law and due process, free from undue influence or actions that could undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Mr Cameron noted that SAPS is a large institution with numerous capable officials who can continue to coordinate and manage operations where necessary. He therefore questioned the rationale that operational considerations could justify the suspension of a duly authorised warrant of arrest.
While agreeing that law enforcement agencies must continue to perform their respective functions without fear, favour or prejudice, the Chairperson cautioned against an escalating conflict between agencies. Such disputes, he warned, not only undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system but also divert critical resources and attention away from combating crime, thereby exposing communities to greater security risks.
“The public expects law enforcement agencies to act in the interests of public safety and security. Any perception of a conflict between agencies risks weakening the fight against crime and undermining trust in the institutions tasked with upholding the law,” said Mr Cameron.
He clarified that this should not be interpreted as a call for institutions to project a false sense of unity. Rather, each agency must independently fulfil its legislated responsibilities and uphold the law without fear, favour or prejudice.
While highlighting the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in response to growing anti-immigration protests and other security challenges, Mr Cameron maintained that such considerations cannot be used to justify the suspension of a duly issued warrant of arrest.
Finally, Mr Cameron called on the President to ensure that the responsible Ministers exercise disciplined leadership over the institutions within their respective portfolios. He stressed that this does not imply political interference in investigations or prosecutions. Rather, it requires ensuring that public disputes between senior law enforcement officials are effectively managed, that institutional credibility is protected, and that any politically motivated instruction or interference is exposed.
“If arrest warrants were lawfully obtained and subsequently not executed, the public deserves a clear answer: who instructed IDAC not to proceed with the arrests, and on what lawful basis was that decision made?” Mr Cameron concluded.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
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