I’m not usurping top cop’s job, says Mbalula
THE constitution required the minister of police to direct the police, draft policing policy, and oversee, monitor and supervise the members and the organisation, as well as its leadership and performance, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said yesterday.
He was briefing the media on the executive authority interventions at the SAPS, addressing policing challenges, and how he was focused on instilling an intelligence-led policing approach to crime prevention.
Mbalula also outlined key roles and responsibilities expected of him.
He made it clear that he was hands-on, but also a cabinet minister who had not taken over the functions of a police commissioner, which the media had suggested.
Mbalula said the constitution demanded that the Police Ministry prevent, combat and investigate crimes, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the country and their property, and uphold and enforce the law.
He said: “As for allegations that the minister should not be receiving intelligence information, I find this silly and lazy journalism, potentially characterised by a passion against the person of Fikile Mbalula.”
As the minister, he needed to know if there were serious threats or domestic terrorism facing the state and the public, he said. “I must know of a potential Marikana before it happens.”
He said the portfolio committee on police expressed concern over the instability and crises in the SAPS’s top management.
“The committee has also given input and directives in terms of members doing business with the organisation; the misallocation of resources; lack of security vetting of members in senior management; the auditor-general’s findings; and others,” Mbalula added.
“With all this being said, as the minister of police I am not a mere observer, but the executive authority beyond the development of policy. I am also empowered by the constitution to direct the successful implementation of policy,” he said.