By Akani Nkuna
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) on Friday called on Parliament to remove Ian Cameron from his position as Chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee.
The union argued that Cameron’s leadership undermines the credibility of the committee and hinders progress in law enforcement oversight.
This comes after Cameron’s public remarks in which he referred to the acquittal of eight members of the Presidential Protection Unit as “thugs.”
He was outraged over the outcome of an internal SAPS disciplinary process that cleared eight VIP Protection Unit officers assigned to Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“We therefore call on the Parliamentary Ethics Committee to investigate these remarks and take appropriate disciplinary action,” said POPCRU national spokesperson Richard Mamabolo in a statement.
“Furthermore, we urge Parliament to consider removing Mr. Cameron from the chairpersonship, as he has shown a clear inability to perform his duties with impartiality and integrity,” Mamabolo added.
Cameron said he was appalled by the acquittal of Mashatile’s VIP Protection Unit officers who were filmed assaulting civilians on the N1 highway in 2023.
He attributed the outcome to a failed disciplinary system, interference from unions, and complicit leadership, further alleging widespread corruption within SAPS.
“The acquittal reinforces the perception that these VIP units operate by their own rules, shielded from the standards that apply to the rest of society. We cannot allow SAPS to become a sanctuary for thugs in uniform,” Cameron said.
On Friday, POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya slammed Cameron’s comments as irresponsible and inappropriate, arguing they unfairly stigmatise officers who have been cleared of wrongdoing.
Ngwenya stressed that, as a constitutionally mandated oversight figure, Cameron is expected to uphold fairness and due process.
By using inflammatory language, POPCRU contends, Cameron has overstepped his mandate and undermined the very principle of accountability that his position is meant to ensure.
“Cameron’s behaviour is reckless and unethical, especially as these officers have been cleared wrongdoing through due process. Who is he to undermine proper labour processes, or question the findings of the courts? His statements are deeply disturbing, and we will not stand quietly by and allow his behaviour to go unchecked,” Ngwenya added.
Ngwenya also accused Cameron of “selective outrage.”
He noted that while dozens of SAPS officers have died in the line of duty – leaving behind grieving families and traumatised colleagues – Cameron and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have remained silent.
Ngwenya questioned the lack of similar condemnation following the recent fatal shooting of two SAPS officers in the Western Cape, contrasting it with the public vilification of the acquitted VIP Protection Unit officers.
“His actions speak volumes about his priorities and undermines his self-styled image as a champion of accountability… Such unfounded attacks from national leaders devalue [the SAPS’s] sacrifice and add immense stress and fear to an already demanding job,” said Ngwenya.
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