Independent churches welcome establishment of inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has welcomed the establishment of an independent judicial commission to investigate allegations of corruption within law enforcement.

The commission, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night, has been established to probe allegations recently made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The inquiry is set to investigate Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, senior police officials, the judiciary, and criminal syndicates.

READ: Ramaphosa puts Mchunu on leave of absence, inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations

SAUCIC said Ramaphosa has acted decisively and with conviction to protect the rule of law and good governance, adding that it expects the leadership of the police service, at all levels, to be held accountable for operational efficiency to safeguard communities against organised crime syndicates.

The council commended the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police, saying it will bolster efforts to intensify the fight against corruption within the police service. 

SAUCIC President, Cardinal Archbishop Patrick Shole, said he hopes Parliament would now suspend the establishment of ad hoc committees it had set up to probe issues the commission will be dealing with, pending the finalisation of reports.

He said the commission is best placed to adjudicate on complex legal matters.

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