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firoz cachalia

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Professor Firoz Cachalia is set to be sworn in as South Africa’s acting Minister of Police on Friday, August 1, 2025, replacing Senzo Mchunu, who has been placed on indefinite leave following corruption allegations[1][3][4]. President Cyril Ramaphosa will facilitate the swearing-in ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria[1][5]. This appointment follows a Constitutional Court ruling that dismissed objections to Cachalia’s new role[6][7].

Cachalia, a notable anti-apartheid activist, law scholar, and political leader, was part of Gauteng’s first provincial legislature post-democracy and has held various government positions, including Gauteng Community Safety MEC[1][3][4]. In 2012, he joined the University of the Witwatersrand as a professor of law, before returning to public service with this ministerial appointment[1][4].

He steps into the role at a time of significantly diminished public trust in law enforcement, following allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system[1][3][4]. Parliament and the Madlanga Commission are currently probing these issues. Cachalia is expected to act as a steady hand during this period, with the commission of inquiry into criminality and corruption in the criminal justice system pending[1].

In media interviews, Cachalia expressed that he is preparing to meet with the National Police Commissioner to chart a path forward and address the multiple challenges facing the country’s police services. He acknowledged the “colossal responsibility” of his new role and emphasized the importance of addressing systemic challenges within law enforcement[2][8].

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