Cachalia says he's not been given a timeline for his stint as acting police minister

JOHANNESBURG - Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says he brings experience, research-based leadership to his portfolio.

Cachalia, the newly appointed acting minister of police, said he brings experience and research-based leadership to the portfolio.

Cachalia was sworn in as a minister without portfolio and subsequently appointed to act in the police ministry.

The ceremony took place on Friday morning at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Firoz Cachalia steps into the police ministry with his predecessor, Senzo Mchunu, currently facing allegations of unduly using the office to shield criminal masterminds from the law.

Public faith in law enforcement agencies is at an all-time low, however, Cachalia said that he was not fazed.

Cachalia has previously served as the Gauteng MEC for community safety and on various anti-corruption boards.

The 67-year-old said he will be drawing on that experience.

"I am by nature interested in reflective decision making - you need to carefully consider the facts, learn about the issues. In every portfolio I’ve had, I’ve read widely, I’ve tried to inform myself, you’ve got to have subject matter knowledge. It helps in the leadership role you are required to carry out as a minister."

Cachalia said he has not been given a timeline of how long his acting stint will last, saying he serves at the pleasure of President Cyril Ramaphosa.