SAPS: The ANC’s “Iron Fist” with Ian Cameron

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is becoming an “iron fist” for the African National Congress (ANC) in certain parts of South Africa. Crime fighter Ian Cameron of Action Society speaks to BizNews about the latest abuses of power and lack of accountability in SAPS. He describes how Police Minister Bheki Cele was escorted by six Flying Squad vehicles, three Public Order Policing (POP) vehicles and three mini buses from TRT to an ANC meeting on the Cape Flats. “…is the South African Police Service now a private security service for the ANC?” Cameron is fuming that eight “Blue Light Mafia” members who publicly assaulted civilians are back at work after their suspensions lapsed. He points out that the Presidential Protection Unit reports to Wally Rhoode who mainly reports directly to the President Cyril Ramaphosa. “So it's basically this little private security force that they've built on the side with police power that benefits a certain group of politicians.” Cameron also speaks about the submission Action Society made to Parliament today (Tuesday 25 October) on the new IPID bill that would give the Minister of Police “a complete monopoly on law enforcement in South Africa”. - Chris Steyn