Growing Demands for Audits in SAPS Amid Corruption Allegations
Natalie Nyathi
Recent allegations of corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) have led to increasing calls for lifestyle and skills audits of senior police officials. These demands follow serious accusations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has ties to the criminal underworld.
Mkhwanazi’s claims have raised concerns about the integrity of the SAPS. He suggests there is a network of corruption involving high-ranking officials, including Minister Mchunu and businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who received a R360 million contract from the police in 2024. Matlala is currently in custody for attempted murder, and investigations indicate he may be financially supporting Mchunu. This situation has sparked fears that corruption is undermining law enforcement efforts in South Africa.
In response to these allegations, Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee, has called for immediate lifestyle and skills audits for senior officers in the SAPS. Cameron emphasized the need for an independent body to conduct these audits, noting the significant backlogs in vetting processes within the State Security Agency. He pointed out that the lack of regular lifestyle audits has led to a lack of accountability among senior police ranks.
According to Cameron, “There’s a huge question about vetting, security clearance… We often hear there’s a backlog. There’s not one member of the police portfolio committee who doesn’t constantly question the lack of lifestyle audits.”
The recent arrests of seven senior officials from the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division on corruption-related charges have further highlighted the need for these audits. These officials, including Divisional Commissioner Lieutenant-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, were involved in financial oversight failures and the hiring of unqualified personnel. Jan de Villiers, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, has echoed calls for an independent audit, stating that these arrests reveal deep-rooted corruption that threatens public safety.
De Villiers has urged the Minister of Police to work with the National Treasury and the Public Service Commission to conduct a thorough audit of the Crime Intelligence division. He emphasized the need to scrutinize the Secret Services Account, a classified fund that has faced concerns about potential abuse.
Both Cameron and De Villiers stress that urgent action is needed from President Cyril Ramaphosa to address these allegations and restore public trust in the police service. Ramaphosa has acknowledged the seriousness of these accusations, calling them a matter of national security. He has urged those involved to exercise discipline and restraint to avoid further undermining public confidence in law enforcement.
Cameron warned: “We cannot continue one more day with criminals masquerading as police officers.” The growing calls for lifestyle and skills audits show a recognition that significant reforms are needed within the SAPS to combat corruption and restore integrity to the force.
As the situation develops, the demand for accountability and transparency within the SAPS is becoming more pressing. The allegations of corruption and misconduct highlight the urgent need for comprehensive audits to ensure that those in power are held accountable. The South African public deserves a police service that acts with integrity and is dedicated to upholding the rule of law.
