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The evidence emerging from the Madlanga Commission is damning: criminal networks have infiltrated the highest echelons of the South African Police Service (SAPS). While RISE Mzansi acknowledges the parliamentary response from the Acting Minister of Police regarding the progress of re-vetting and lifestyle audits, the actual vetting process has been inexcusably slow since the President first announced it in February. The rot is deeper than we imagined. We need action now, not more delays, and we call on the vetting authorities to treat this with the absolute urgency it demands.

According to the Minister's written reply, the structured, phased vetting process currently impacts a significant portion of top-tier leadership:

National Level: 18 out of 23 Lieutenant Generals and 109 out of 119 Major Generals have submitted applications, while the paperwork for the majority of Brigadiers is scheduled for submission this month.

Provincial Level: 68 out of 71 identified senior managers across all nine provinces have been referred to the State Security Agency (SSA) for processing.

While this paperwork is finally moving, it remains deeply alarming that so many senior members of the SAPS do not already possess the necessary security clearances. A safe South Africa requires ethical and capable leaders at the helm of the State’s security apparatus. There can be no compromise on this. Without safety, our communities cannot prosper. This re-vetting must mark the definitive end of a culture of complacency and corruption within SAPS leadership. Criminals belong in orange overalls, not in blue uniforms.

The ongoing work of the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee is already yielding results. RISE Mzansi therefore welcomes the decision by the President to grant the requested extension of the timeline of the Commission, which will allow it to thoroughly complete its mandate without cutting corners. However, a timeline extension for the Commission must not be used as an excuse for the executive to drag its feet on executing these audits.

Furthermore, because Metro Police fall outside SAPS jurisdiction, critical information on their vetting was omitted. RISE Mzansi will bridge this gap. Following the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections, our elected Councillors will demand full transparency and ensure local metro police face the exact same stringent lifestyle audits and vetting standards.

RISE Mzansi calls on the Minister of Police to provide Parliament and the public with regular, transparent updates on the SAPS re-vetting process. The people of South Africa deserve absolute certainty that the men and women in blue are beyond reproach.

We will maintain a keen eye on this matter. Through our presence in Parliament, we will ensure that the Portfolio Committee on Police exercises rigorous, uncompromising oversight over this process to restore the integrity of our police service. The time for bureaucratic delay is over.

Issued by: Makashule Gana MP - RISE Mzansi National Assembly Whip