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The Minister and Deputy Minister of Police clearly do not take the latest crisis in the South African Police Service (SAPS) seriously as neither of them are in the National Assembly today to answer oral questions. This at a time when South Africa is reeling from horrific reports of police brutality and an unchecked wave of sexual assault against women and children.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa is currently on honeymoon until 12 March, conveniently missing questions to the minister by six days, whilst his Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu is on an expensive trip to New York with Minister Lulu Xingwana.

The DA will be taking this matter up with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Max Sisulu, as well as the Leader of Government Business, Kgalema Motlanthe.

There is no excuse for this. Questions days are scheduled well in advance, and the Minister or his deputy should have made a plan to attend.

This is the clearest indication yet that they have completely misplaced priorities. The SAPS is without leadership at a time when the public is losing faith in its ability to protect us.

In any other country experiencing such a crisis, the Minister of Police would be back at home and in the House answering questions. Minister Mthethwa has once again lived up to his title as an Empty Suit.