Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called for stronger protections for whistleblowers and anti-corruption activists, warning that too many people who stand up against crime and corruption continue to be targeted for doing the right thing.
Speaking at the release of the fourth-quarter crime statistics on Friday, Cachalia used the occasion to pay tribute to North West anti-crime activist and traditional healer Thato Molosankwe, who was recently murdered.
“We are saddened to have lost an individual who was committed to fighting crime and corruption, while also working to strengthen relations between local communities and the police,” Cachalia said.
He said maximum resources had been deployed to investigate the killing and bring those responsible to justice.
The Minister said Molosankwe’s death highlighted a broader problem facing South Africa, where individuals who expose wrongdoing or challenge criminal networks often face intimidation, threats and violence.
“Regrettably, too many people who stand up to crime and corruption, including councillors, professionals like auditors and lawyers, are targeted for doing the right thing,” he said.
Cachalia argued that strengthening whistleblower protections must become a national priority if South Africa is to make meaningful progress in tackling corruption and organised crime.
He revealed that Cabinet has approved the Protected Disclosure Bill for public comment, describing it as an important step towards improving the country’s whistleblower protection regime.
The Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns about the safety of individuals who report corruption, fraud and criminal activity, particularly where organised crime and public-sector corruption intersect.
Cachalia linked the issue directly to the fight against organised crime, which he described as one of the country’s most serious threats.
He warned that criminal networks continue to infiltrate economic and government systems, while those who expose wrongdoing are often left vulnerable.
“While high-flying and well-dressed criminals amass wealth and are revered by those who benefit from their illegal activities, too many of our communities will continue to suffer from drugs, shootouts, infrastructure damage and corrupt government officials,” he said.
The Minister said protecting whistleblowers is essential to strengthening accountability and ensuring that corruption and organised crime can be exposed without fear of retaliation. – SAnews.gov.za
