Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia underscored the importance of professionalism within South African law enforcement in a series of media engagements following his appointment on August 1, 2025. During briefings between October 2025 and June 2026, Cachalia addressed strategies to combat gangsterism in the Western Cape, adherence to South African Police Service (SAPS) protocols, and the government’s response to public protests.

Crackdown On Gangsterism And Protocol Violations

On October 9, 2025, Cachalia briefed the Select Committee on Security and Justice on government efforts to tackle gangsterism and extortion, particularly in the Western Cape, according to a media statement from Parliament. He outlined targeted interventions and emphasised operational coordination between SAPS and the national army, noting, “I am particularly pleased to see members of our national army here alongside members of the South African Police Service, for reasons that will become clear in the coming days.”

On April 20, 2026, Cachalia publicly criticised suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Daphney Manamela after she held a media briefing that, he said, breached professional standards and contravened National Instruction 5 of 2017 on SAPS media communication. Speaking through an official statement, Cachalia noted, “The acting minister of police… notes with concern the suspended Mpumalanga provincial commissioner’s media briefing held yesterday, which was inconsistent with established professional protocols.”

Law Enforcement Response To Public Protests

Cachalia also addressed the role of law enforcement during public demonstrations. On June 30, 2026, he commended police for their conduct during anti-illegal immigration protests, according to the Sowetan. He affirmed that government monitoring of the situation would continue, highlighting an approach that prioritises both the enforcement of laws and the assurance of community safety during periods of unrest.

Since his appointment, Cachalia’s briefings and interventions have focused on restoring public trust and enhancing the effectiveness of SAPS, especially in relation to community safety, adherence to protocol, and operational coordination with other security agencies.

Cachalia is expected to continue addressing police discipline, transparency, and public order as scrutiny on policing standards increases amid ongoing social and security challenges.