On Sunday, Ramaphosa announced that a judicial commission of inquiry would be established to probe such allegations within the country’s policing authorities, with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on leave with immediate effect.
This came a week after claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that, among other issues, a high-level criminal syndicate was operating in South Africa, extending into the South African Police Service (SAPS) and related structures.
Mkhwanazi claimed that the syndicate was controlled by a drug cartel headquartered in Gauteng.
Meanwhile, Van Zyl said in a statement that, for too long, South Africans had to endure failing safety and security systems.
“The allegations by Mkhwanazi are tremendously serious and are bound to filter down to grassroots level, affecting South African society. Farmers and their workers are particularly exposed to the decay and untrustworthiness of these structures. We do, however, salute the members wo remain committed to rendering the best possible service, despite challenging conditions,” he said.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt, president of Agri North West, said the often inexplicable lack of co-operation from the SAPS and prosecuting agencies in the province defied all rhyme or reason.
“I truly hope that President Ramaphosa’s announcement will result in well-functioning safety structures that will protect and add to the sustainability of the agriculture sector,” he said.
Francois Wilken, president of Free State Agriculture, added that Free State farmers had been experiencing the decay in the state’s safety and security systems for many years.
“I get the impression that self-enrichment has played an integral role in the ongoing deterioration of the SAPS and related structures. That is why I truly welcome Ramaphosa’s announcement. I sincerely hope that the investigation will lead to tangible solutions and actions against perpetrators. The claims made by Mkhwanazi, if true, are of serious concern,” Wilken said.
