The South African criminal justice system is in crisis, says ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula, warning that a dangerous “friendship” between criminals and law enforcement must be rooted out and fast. During a heated speech this week, Mbalula accused criminals and cops of working hand in glove, calling for decisive action:
“If criminals and cops are friends, arrest them now,” he thundered.
Mbalula’s scathing remarks come amid growing public outrage about escalating violent crime, increasing reports of police misconduct, and widespread perceptions that parts of the law enforcement architecture are compromised. He lamented that justice is being thwarted at every turn, and argued that corrupt officers who collude with criminal networks are undermining the very foundation of democracy. According to him, accountability must start at the top:
“We cannot claim to fight crime while allowing the very guardians of the law to be compromised,” Mbalula said.
He urged independent investigations into all allegations of police involvement in crime, especially where these point to structural rot rather than isolated “bad apples.” His remarks are expected to deepen tensions between the ANC and sectors of the police and prosecuting authorities. Already, some critics accuse Mbalula of grandstanding, claiming that such statements could erode public confidence in law enforcement when trust is needed most.
But allies in government say Mbalula is voicing what many ordinary South Africans already feel that the justice system is failing them. Some civil society groups have rallied behind his call, demanding immediate action, greater transparency, and stronger oversight.
Mbalula also called for urgent probes by independent bodies, regular public reporting on cases where police are implicated, and accountability for slow or deadlocked investigations. His speech hints at possible restructuring of internal police oversight, with clearer lines between political oversight and operational control. Mbalula’s intervention may shake up how South Africa addresses its criminal justice crisis but whether it leads to lasting reform remains to be seen.