Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said strengthening protection for whistleblowers remains a key priority. He spoke during the release of the fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2025/2026 financial year in Pretoria today. Cachalia noted that whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing crime and corruption.
Cachalia emphasised the risks faced by those who report wrongdoing. “I’m very concerned about the fact that so many whistleblowers, councillors, auditors in the public service, even private auditors, are being targeted by these criminals,” he said.
He pointed to recent police successes and noted that the Department of Justice has tabled a bill on whistleblower protection. The bill has been approved for public comment.
Plans are also underway to secure a funding model for the patrollers program. Cachalia announced the program earlier this year to help provinces with high crime rates. The initiative is expected to provide stipends to patrollers from struggling households.
