SONA 2026: Opposition parties welcome Ramaphosa's vetting order for senior cops

Some opposition parties believe President Cyril Ramaphosa’s order for a fresh round of vetting for senior South African Police Service (SAPS) and metro police officials is an admission of corruption within law enforcement.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, Ramaphosa announced that the State Security Agency (SSA) will be vetting senior police officials.

The move comes after revelations in both the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s ad hoc committee, which are both investigating possible criminal infiltration in the country’s crime prevention sector.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who sits on Parliament’s ad hoc committee, has welcomed the announcement.

“That is a confirmation of the evidence that we were able to lead in the ad hoc committee and in the Madlanga Commission. It looks like majority of police are corrupt and that’s why they need the necessary vetting from an independent structure which is not conflicted.”

ActionSA member of Parliament (MP) Dereleen James, who also sits on the ad hoc committee, has echoed Malema.

“We’ve heard witnesses coming forward. We’ve heard about these appointments where people aren’t even interviewed or vetted properly so it’s definitely welcome - we really need that.”

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