The SAPS top management led by the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, appeared before the Portfolio committee on Police, for the tabling of the Annual Performance Plan and the Budget for 2012/13 financial year.
The oversight committee meeting however started with side issues within the current affairs environment. The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee Ms Cindy Chikunga opened a floodgate of questions to the Acting National Commissioner on issues relating to the update on the Cato Manor investigation, the allegations and status of the investigation leveled against the Head of Hawks in KwaZulu- Natal and ultimately the reinstatement of the Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence, LT General Richard Mdluli.
The portfolio committee members were also given an opportunity to hammer more nails to the very same issues throwing a string of questions to the Acting National Commissioner who emerged and appeared confident whilst providing responses accordingly to the heavy line of questioning by the oversight committee. "Investigations will be carried out based on facts and not led by emotions. I am not a politician but I am a police officer and hence my focus is on improving policing in the police. Discussing issues of the secret service account is the prerogative and responsibility of the Standing Committee on Intelligence and as the police we cannot undermine the act". said Mkhwanazi.
In his response, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi assured the members of the portfolio committee on SAPS resolve to fight crime and the level of commitment and the undertaking made by the Provincial Commissioners who were also present at the meeting in parliament.
The responses instilled confidence and integrity to SAPS which General Mkhwanazi protected accordingly by outlining plans and strategic interventions by management of SAPS. A classic example on the cards is to strengthen the Inspectorate Division of the SAPS which has over the years been referred to a graveyard of the police force. The portfolio committee was given assurance that the efficiency and effectiveness of police stations will greatly improve with the turnaround strategy employed by the respective division.
Meanwhile the chairperson and some members of the oversight body declared their full support to the Acting National Commissioner and the SAPS management on the ongoing investigations relating to the three burning issues, the Cato manor investigation, the disciplinary steps taken or that can be taken against anyone including the KwaZulu- Natal Head of Hawks investigation and the Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence.
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SAPS Acting National Commissioner responds to bullet questions from the Portfolio Committee
