The state of the GNU must be in serious trouble if the best candidate to oversee a struggling police system is a minister linked to corruption.
Gwede Mantashe has been named caretaker police minister while Senzo Mchunu is on leave and awaiting investigation by a new commission of inquiry. The inquiry will examine alleged failures in police leadership, including claims of misconduct and broken promises of integrity.
Mantashe steps into the role temporarily until Firoz Cachalia takes over as acting minister in August. However, his appointment raises concerns, given his own history with corruption allegations.
The State Capture Commission previously found that Mantashe may have been involved in corrupt activities and recommended a police investigation. Mantashe has denied the claims and challenged the commission’s findings. Now, he will oversee the same police force that was supposed to investigate him.
Critics point to past incidents where Mantashe avoided scrutiny. He skipped a parliamentary committee meeting probing corruption in his former department and publicly defended Zandile Gumede, who faces corruption charges. There have also been reports of people close to him being implicated in graft, including his son’s controversial appointment to a government board, which was later reversed.
This is a troubling look for a leader now in charge of a police force already accused of cover-ups and cronyism.
How Much Damage Can He Do in 16 Days?
Though his tenure is short, past examples—like former finance minister Des van Rooyen’s brief stint causing economic turmoil—show that even temporary leadership can have lasting consequences.
Mantashe’s role now includes stabilizing the police service, restoring public trust, and preparing for the incoming acting minister. But if he fails to act or becomes embroiled in new scandals, the situation could worsen.
Growing Security Concerns
The appointment comes amid warnings of potential unrest. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the minister responsible for state security, recently claimed there were risks of a coup attempt, though she assured that measures were in place to prevent it. Meanwhile, military veterans have been flagged as a possible source of instability.
With the police already under scrutiny, placing a controversial figure like Mantashe in charge—even briefly—risks further undermining confidence in the system. The GNU cannot afford missteps at such a critical time.