The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to “take decisive steps to restore public confidence and safeguard the credibility of the justice system, in the interest of social stability and the common good,” following the criminal charges instituted against the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In a statement signed by the SACBC Liaison Bishop for the Justice and Peace Commission, Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM expressed grave concern about the implications of the case for public trust in institutions tasked with ensuring justice and security in the country.

The statement comes amid growing public scrutiny surrounding the summons issued to General Fannie Masemola, who is expected to appear in court on 21 April in connection with an alleged R360-million police tender linked to a private service provider. Authorities have also confirmed the arrest of several senior police officials connected to the same procurement scandal.

According to reports, the controversial contract was awarded for health risk management services but was later terminated after irregularities were identified in the tender process, prompting investigations and criminal charges against multiple officials.

Call for integrity and accountability

In the Monday, 30 March 2026 statement, Bishop Mbuyisa underscored that the crisis unfolding within law enforcement institutions poses a serious challenge to the rule of law and the moral fabric of society.

The Commission Liaison Bishop noted that the developments, together with emerging testimony from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, have deepened concerns about the erosion of public confidence in the criminal justice system at a time when crime levels remain high and citizens are increasingly anxious about safety.

“The country’s ability to address the crime epidemic depends significantly on the trust that citizens place in the integrity of those entrusted with upholding the law,” the statement read.

The SACBC Justice and Peace Commission therefore called on the President to act in a manner that strengthens institutional credibility while respecting due process and the independence of the judiciary.

Justice must be seen to be done

The Commission emphasized that all legal processes must proceed without political interference and in accordance with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done,” the Bishop said, echoing a longstanding principle in Catholic social teaching that public authority must be exercised with integrity and in service of the common good.

The statement further stressed that an effective response to crime and corruption requires not only structural reforms but also moral renewal within public institutions.

“The restoration of the moral legitimacy of the criminal justice system depends on the fulfilment of three essential conditions,” said Bishop Mbuyisa, outlining the need for ethical leadership, institutional independence, and impartial prosecution.

Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa has indicated that he will act in accordance with the law following the summons issued to the Police Commissioner, while consultations continue within the security cluster to ensure stability within the police service.

The intervention by the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission reflects the Catholic Church’s longstanding role in advocating for ethical governance, accountability, and the protection of human dignity in public life in South Africa.