The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) says if prosecutorial action is not taken to meet public expectations, then there will be an erosion of confidence in commissions of inquiries.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa instituted a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

Earlier this month, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly stated that there are criminal syndicates infiltrating police.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has since been placed on a leave of absence.

The HSRC’s Dr Benjamin Roberts explains the research they’ve conducted on commission of inquiries.

“We have done in-depth research on attitudes towards the Zondo Commission (Commission of Inquiry into State Capture). We have done three or four years of assessment of public views towards that particular commission of inquiry, and it is along the lines of what you thought. The public is generally sub-favourable towards the way the commission handled itself procedurally. They are favourable in terms of some of the recommendations; and they are concerned about implementations in terms of those recommendations in terms of these commissions being value for money.”

PODCAST | HSRC demands prosecutorial action on syndicate infiltration:

-Report by Taresh Harreeparshad