Parliament - Police Minister Fikile Mbalula told MPs on Thursday said he "calls the shots" when it comes to the SAPS and has given an order that "rogue" elements within the crime intelligence unit be rooted out.
"I can assure members of this House that we are in charge of the South African Police Service. What I can tell you is there are some rogue elements who are at any given point in time take their chances in relation to crime intelligence," Mbalula said while responding to questions in the National Assembly.
"This coming Monday and onwards, we will be attending to crime intelligence, including given special directives... to ensure crime intelligence executes its mandate in the fight against crime."
Commenting on allegations from, among others, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country's intelligence services were being used for political purposes, the minister said he would investigate.
"With regard to allegation or otherwise manifestations in the public discourse about politician interference, it is the intention of the minister to probe and get to the bottom of this and for those who make such allegations... to come forward and provide evidence."
Ramaphosa claimed his personal emails were hacked to try to prove he had numerous extra-marital affairs, casting blame on the country's intelligence services
Mbalula said those working in intelligence who are abusing their positions instead of doing their job.
"I don't want people who are lousy who have run out of ideas on what they suppose to do. I want to know from acting-generals who is who in the zoo," he said, adding those who don't belong in crime intelligence will be "smoked out".
"Don't worry about thugs hijacking the State. I will finish them before Christmas...I'm coming for them."