Cachalia tells MPs he's not replaced any of Mchunu's staff but is appointing a special advisor

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says he hasn’t had a reason to replace any of suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu’s staff following his takeover of the ministry.

But Cachalia said he was in the process of appointing Gareth Newham from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) to be his special advisor and to fill a key vacancy.

Cachalia was responding to oral questions in the National Assembly as part of the peace and security cluster on Wednesday.

Professor Cachalia was sworn in as the minister of police on 1 August this year.

His appointment came after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place Mchunu on special leave following allegations that he interfered with police operations.

Responding to questions from MP, Cachalia said he hadn’t replaced any officials, even those who worked closely with Mchunu.

"I have not replaced existing staff in my office. They are all currently in position. And secondly, I have only taken steps to appoint one special advisor because there was a vacancy in that position, and I’m entitled to do so in terms of the ministerial handbook."

Cachalia said he appointed his special advisor because he was one of the most prominent experts and policy analysts in safety and security.

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