In mid‑July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa initiated a significant leadership shake‑up within the Ministry of Police, placing Minister Senzo Mchunu on indefinite special leave amid serious corruption allegations. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu‑Natal’s police commissioner, accused Mchunu of aiding criminal syndicates, accepting campaign funding from a controversial businessman, interfering in investigations, and obstructing justice. In response, the President established a judicial commission of inquiry and appointed Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as Acting Minister of Police starting 13 July 2025.
Mantashe’s appointment was intended as a short‑term, caretaker role. He retained his portfolio in mineral and petroleum resources while overseeing police affairs until the end of July. Ahead of this transition, the presidency announced that Firoz Cachalia, a seasoned lawyer, academic, and anti‑corruption advocate, would be sworn in as Acting Minister beginning 1 August 2025.
Cachalia took the oath of office at a formal ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, presided over by Ramaphosa. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola welcomed the appointment and pledged full cooperation, describing a renewed focus on mounting effective crime‑fighting efforts under Cachalia’s leadership. Known for his prior work as Gauteng MEC for Community Safety and chair of the National Anti‑Corruption Advisory Council, Cachalia brings political experience and a strong ethical governance orientation to the position.
The ministerial transition occurs against a backdrop of intensified scrutiny on SAPS leadership, with growing public worry over rising crime rates and political interference in law enforcement. The newly formed judicial commission aims to investigate the Mkhwanazi allegations and restore public trust.
The Ministry of Police, responsible for overseeing SAPS, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, and the Civilian Secretariat for Police, now lists Firoz Cachalia as the current acting minister.
