Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee Ian Cameron in discussion with Crime Intelligence Head Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo at a Ad Hoc Committee hearing probing corruption and political interference on January 15. Parliamentary oversight must never become an instrument for political theatre. It must remain a tool for strengthening democratic accountability, says the writer.
Benson Ngqentsu
This article is written in response to a growing, dangerous tendency by the Democratic Alliance's Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police in the National Assembly, Ian Cameron. He uses parliamentary oversight not primarily as an instrument to strengthen governance and improve policing, but increasingly for two reasons: a vehicle for political grandstanding on the one hand and to serve as a professional informant for the criminal network on the other hand.
Cameron's approach to oversight, particularly his public disclosures regarding the state of police stations, police resources and operational challenges following his recent visit to Bishop Lavis and Khayelitsha, respectively, risks undermining the effectiveness of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
