Scorpions’ 2009 disbandment ‘a mistake, and SA’s problems prove it’ — Firoz Cachalia
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-11-05-scorpions-2009-disbandment-a-mistake-and-sas-problems-prove-it-firoz-cachalia/
Photo: dailymaverick.co.za · view article
Disbanding Scorpions Undermines South Africa’s SecurityActing Police Minister Cachalia calls the 2009 Scorpions disbandment a mistake amid rising crime and corruption challenges.
Key FactsNov 6, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- The 2009 disbandment of the Scorpions, a renowned anti-corruption unit, is regarded by Cachalia as a significant error.
- The unit had an international reputation for effectively tackling complex organized crime and corruption cases.
- Current issues of political interference and criminal infiltration highlight the negative impact of the disbandment.
- New crime-fighting strategies, including an organized crime plan tested in multiple provinces, aim to restore law enforcement effectiveness.
I think that this was a mistake, and we can see that clearly… given where we are now and the problems we’re facing now.— Firoz Cachalia, while testifying before the parliamentary ad hoc committee.
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Scorpions’ 2009 disbandment ‘a mistake, and SA’s problems prove it’ — Firoz Cachalia
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Key FactsNew Leadership Prioritizes Professional Policing Over Force
Jul 18, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- Firoz Cachalia was appointed acting police minister effective August 1 in South Africa.
- He argues that aggressive rhetoric and authorizing lethal force do not reduce crime but criminalize the police.
- Cachalia advocates for well-trained officers who apply force strictly within legal boundaries.
- To tackle organized crime, he emphasizes the importance of skilled detectives and solid intelligence work.
Giving the police a licence to kill is not the answer to crime.— Firoz Cachalia, the incoming acting police minister, explains that tough talk does not reduce crime.
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Key FactsGwede Mantashe Named Interim Police Minister
Jul 15, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- Gwede Mantashe was appointed acting minister of police with immediate effect.
- He will continue serving as minister of mineral and petroleum resources simultaneously.
- Prof Firoz Cachalia is set to assume the police minister post in August.
- A judicial commission was established to investigate allegations of corruption and obstruction within the police.
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Key FactsUnexpected Appointment of Professor Cachalia as Police Minister
Jul 15, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- Professor Firoz Cachalia ignored several calls from the Presidency while watching the Wimbledon final.
- President Ramaphosa appointed him acting minister of police following Minister Senzo Mchunu’s leave amid serious allegations.
- Cachalia is a seasoned academic and former anti-apartheid activist with extensive public service experience.
- He will assume the role in August to guide the police through ongoing investigations and reforms.
It was a surprise of course, I didn't expect something like this. I am very appreciative that the president has expressed some confidence in my ability.— Professor Firoz Cachalia discusses his appointment as acting Minister of Police.
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