Hill-Lewis urges Ramaphosa to appoint a permanent police minister, decries Mchunu’s R2.6m salary
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has formally requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa appoint a permanent police minister to address South Africa's escalating crime crisis. The position has been held by an acting minister for over a year following the suspension of Senzo Mchunu.
Why it matters
The lack of permanent leadership in the police ministry is seen as a major obstacle to addressing systemic corruption and rising violent crime in South Africa.
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa asking him to appoint a permanent minister of police.
In the letter dated July 10 2026, Hill-Lewis tells Ramaphosa that as a partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU) he feels it’s part of his responsibility in restoring public confidence and strengthening the rule of law.
He said there was anxiety across the country about the safety of families, criminals being arrested, proper investigation of cases and their prosecutions, as well as the corrupt network inside the police.
“South Africa’s crime crisis is a national emergency,” said Hill-Lewis. “South Africa cannot afford uncertainty in the leadership of the police service at a time when murder, extortion, gang violence, infrastructure sabotage and organised crime are inflicting such deep harm on communities and the economy.”
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