Parliament, Thursday, 26 June 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has noted media reports of the arrest of four senior Crime Intelligence officers in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The arrests should be welcomed in the context of completely eradicating rogue and criminal police officers within the service,” he said. “The SAPS is meant to protect the people against crime. Still, it is unacceptable to have officers called to service undermine this duty for their selfish and corrupt activities.”
Despite the arrest of the four officers, Mr Cameron expressed concern that these arrests of senior SAPS members point to a seriously compromised institution deeply entrenched in criminal activity. “The committee has always maintained that only fit and proper individuals must serve in the SAPS. While this is not an indictment on the entire service, as there are dedicated and honest officers in the SAPS, the few that are corrupt tarnish the good image of the police service,” Mr Cameron said.
This afternoon’s arrest follows the earlier arrest of Major-General Philani Lushaba, the Chief Financial Officer of the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit. Crime Intelligence is a critical component in the fight against crime, and the fact that so many of its leaders have been arrested and charged with serious crimes undermines its ability to implement its mandate.
The Chairperson has called on the SAPS to institute Section 34 inquiries as a matter of urgency. The South African Police Act provides for such inquiries into police conduct to determine whether an officer is fit to remain in office. Mr Cameron said this would go a long way in reestablishing the credibility of the SAPS.
Additionally, the Chairperson has reiterated the committee’s long-held view that regular lifestyle audits must be undertaken, especially for officers in the Crime Intelligence unit. The committee will request a full report from the National Commissioner on internal consequence management against the arrested officers.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
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