PSA criticizes Gwede Mantashe's appointment as acting police minister amid Zondo corruption findings

The Public Service Association (PSA) has questioned the appointment of Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister amid the Zondo report calling for him to be investigated.

"It is worrying that the President has appointed Mantashe as acting police minister while he is fingered in the Zondo report, and that creates a possible conflict of interest in the investigation within SAPS," PSA head Reuben Maleka told IOL.

The Zondo Commission into state capture recommended that Mantashe be investigated by police for security upgrades to his home paid for by Bosasa, a security firm found to have bribed state officials in return for contracts, according to the commission's findings.

Mantashe has rejected the findings against him and is challenging this in court.

Maleka also raised concerns about the new commission of inquiry into allegations of corruption within the police and judiciary.

"The PSA would have preferred that the timelines be shorter due to the urgency and seriousness of the allegations for the commission to investigate; we believe six months is too long for the public interest on the matter.

"SAPS is a crime scene and requires a sense of urgency to conclude the investigation in a shorter period maximum of two months," added Maleka.

Mantashe steps in as acting police minister until the end of July, when Firoz Cachalia then takes over until the new commission of inquiry concludes its investigation.

This follows damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of the capture of the police and judiciary by dodgy politicians and drug cartels.

His allegations have sparked a political furore and an outpouring of public anger at another state capture. Police minister and presidential ally, Senzo Mchunu, along with deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, have been suspended.

Both were implicated by Mkhwanazi among those colluding with criminals.

The commission of inquiry, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been denounced by political parties as a waste of money.

Cachalia's appointment is also being challenged as unconstitutional by the EFF and MK.

The parties argue Cachalia is not a cabinet member or parliamentarian and his appointment is a violation of the Constitution rules.

IOL Politics