Police Commissioner Says Lack of Intelligence Reports Before July Unrest ‘Was A Shortcoming, Not Failure’

THE national police Khehla Sitole says the lack of a comprehensive intelligence report prior to the July unrest was a “shortcoming” and not a failure.

Sitole was testifying at the South African Human Rights Commission’s investigation into the unrest on Tuesday. 

More than 300 people died during the violence and looting that took place in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

While Sitole admitted that the country was embarrassed by the widespread unrest under his watch, he denied any suggestion that he failed at his job. 

“It was not a gross dereliction of duty. Here I have explained that it was a shortcoming of intelligence,” said Sitole.

The police commissioner, who is currently in Turkey for an Interpol conference, said there was an early warning report received but there was no need to send it to the minister at the time, saying it was a just a normal routine intelligence report.

“There is