Minister of Police (South Africa)

The minister of police is the minister in the Cabinet of South Africa with political responsibility for the Department of Police, including the South African Police Service, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the Private Security industry Regulatory Authority, and the Civilian Secretariat for Police.^[1] The office was called the minister of safety and security between 1994 and 2009, and before that it was the minister of law and order.

South Africa Minister of Police
Flag of South Africa
Incumbent Firoz Cachalia
Department of Police
Style	The Honourable
Appointer	Cyril Ramaphosa
Deputy	Polly Boshielo Cassel Mathale
Website	South African Police Service

Ministers

Name	Portrait	Term	Party	President
Sydney Mufamadi		1994–1999	ANC	Nelson Mandela
Steve Tshwete		1999–2002	ANC	Thabo Mbeki
Charles Nqakula[2]		2002–2008	ANC	Thabo Mbeki
Nathi Nhleko[3]		2008–2017	ANC	Kgalema Motlanthe
Fikile Mbalula[4]		2017–2018	ANC	Jacob Zuma
Bheki Cele[1]		2018–2024	ANC	Cyril Ramaphosa
Senzo Mchunu[5]		2024–2025	ANC	Cyril Ramaphosa
Firoz Cachalia		2025-present		Cyril Ramaphosa

Notable Achievements and Controversies by Minister

Sydney Mufamadi (1994–1999)

Achievements:

• Played a key role in transitioning the police force from apartheid structures to a democratic institution.
• Helped establish the South African Police Service (SAPS) under the post-1994 constitutional framework.

Controversies:

• Faced criticism for the slow pace of transformation within SAPS, particularly in addressing the legacy of police brutality and institutional culture from the apartheid era.

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Steve Tshwete (1999–2002)

Achievements:

• Advocated for modernization of police equipment and technology.
• Promoted sector policing and community engagement initiatives to improve public safety.

Controversies:

• Accused of politicizing the police by publicly naming politicians in an unproven political conspiracy.
• Faced criticism for undermining political neutrality in policing.

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Charles Nqakula (2002–2008)

Achievements:

• Continued the expansion of community policing programs.
• Introduced the Crime Combating Strategy targeting high-crime areas.

Controversies:

• Widely criticized for stating that those concerned about crime were "whining", a remark seen as dismissive during a period of high violent crime.
• Oversaw SAPS during the 2008 xenophobic attacks, which drew criticism for inadequate policing response.

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Nathi Nhleko (2008–2017)

Achievements:

• Emphasized police discipline and oversight mechanisms, including greater use of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
• Pushed for organizational reform within SAPS.

Controversies:

• His report exonerating President Jacob Zuma in the Nkandla scandal was widely criticized and perceived as politically motivated.
• Accused of undermining IPID's independence and interfering in politically sensitive investigations.

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Fikile Mbalula (2017–2018)

Achievements:

• Launched Operation Fiela II targeting organized crime and illicit weapons.
• Advocated for improved police response times and greater visibility in communities.

Controversies:

• Criticized for a populist communication style and limited substantive policy reform.
• Faced allegations of accepting a Dubai trip funded by a controversial family with alleged state capture ties.

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Bheki Cele (2018–2024)

Achievements:

• Revived specialized anti-gang units and prioritized urban crime hotspots.
• Prominent during COVID-19 lockdown enforcement, emphasizing public order and compliance.

Controversies:

• Criticized for heavy-handed enforcement during lockdown and increasing police brutality allegations.
• Involved in internal SAPS tensions, including public disputes with the National Police Commissioner.
• Faced criticism over lack of progress in reducing gender-based violence and violent crime.

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Senzo Mchunu (2024–2025)

Achievements:

• Focused on restructuring police leadership and improving oversight mechanisms.
• Emphasized restoring public confidence in SAPS and enhancing inter-agency cooperation.

Controversies:

• Tenure was brief, and while generally viewed as reform-oriented, critics questioned the pace and effectiveness of implementation. Allegations of involvement with criminal syndicate was reported against Senzo Mcunu in July 2025 and was therefore put on special leave. Mcunu is alleged to be involved with Brown Mokgotsi who is also a link to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Mcunu has also lied in parliament when declaring that he didn't know Brown Mokgotsi but later issued a statement where he said Brown Mokgotsi was his comrade.

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Firoz Cachalia (2025–present)

Achievements:

Controversies:

• As the most recent appointee, no major controversies have yet been recorded at the time of writing.