Mbalula denies overreaching allegations

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has denied allegations of overreach in an attempt to have various SAPS units particularly Crime Intelligence to report directly to him. This while side lining acting Police Commissioner General Lesetja Mothiba.

This after reports emerged that Mbalula has among other directives demanded weekly Crime Intelligence report directly to him, also reversing promotions made by General Mothiba.

Mbalula says the Constitution empowers him to direct policy implementation within SAPS.

“I am, not a mere observer or a ceremonial character – powers of promotions transfers of members with the service including all other matters around the conditions of service are for the minister to regulate and direct.”

Mbalula says his interventions are not limited to crime intelligence but also Hawks. He however said Crime Intelligence had become a law unto themselves with a lot of rogueness.

“As for allegations that the minister should not be receiving intelligence information, I find this beyond silly and lazy journalism potentially characterized by a passion against the person of Fikile Mbalula. As minister, the public expects me to know if there is domestic terrorism, or any serious threats to the state and public safety.”

Mbalula maintains that the acting commissioner is informed of all his decisions however admitted that sometimes they failed to see eye to eye. He says they were not friends but professionals.

Mbalula also claims that journalists are openly being used by a Saps rogue unit that leaks classified information to wage a campaign against him.