The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has launched a scathing attack on Ian Cameron, the DA MP and chairperson of parliament’s portfolio committee on police, demanding his removal from office and an ethics investigation after he labelled eight acquitted presidential protection unit members “thugs” and accused the union of “defending police brutality”.
The backlash follows the dismissal of assault charges against the eight VIP protection unit officers guarding Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who were captured on viral video in July 2023 allegedly assaulting civilians on the N1 highway.
On Tuesday, a South African Police Service (SAPS) disciplinary process cleared the members of misconduct, citing insufficient evidence.
Popcru, which represents over 150 000 police and correctional services staff, hailed the ruling as a “vindication of due process” but condemned Cameron’s “inflammatory” response.
In a statement, the union accused Cameron of “reckless political grandstanding” and undermining judicial outcomes.
“We strongly condemn the reckless and inflammatory remarks made by Ian Cameron, which falsely accuse Popcru of blocking legal proceedings and of defending police brutality.
“These are not only baseless and defamatory but also represent a deliberate attempt to delegitimise the role of organised labour,” the union said.
Gross misuse of oversight role
Cameron, a vocal critic of police conduct, issued a statement on social media this week to denounce the acquittal.
“The DA will not rest until justice is served and the rule of law is restored — even within the ranks of those tasked to uphold it. We cannot allow SAPS to become a sanctuary for thugs in uniform,” said Cameron.
Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya lambasted Cameron’s comments as “a gross misuse of his parliamentary oversight role”, warning they risk inciting hostility against police.
“Cameron’s behaviour is reckless and unethical, especially as these officers have been cleared through due process. Who is he to undermine proper labour processes or question the findings of the courts?” Ngwenya asked.
“His statements are deeply disturbing and place our members’ lives at risk by agitating communities against them.”
The union accused Cameron of “selective outrage”, noting his silence on the killings of over 30 SAPS officers in 2024 alone.
Call to probe unbecoming conduct
Last week, two Western Cape officers were fatally shot during a patrol, yet Cameron “chooses to condemn VIP officers absolved by lawful processes”, Ngwenya said.
“His priorities are clear — and they’re not about protecting police or communities.”
Popcru has formally petitioned parliament’s joint committee on ethics and members’ interests to probe Cameron for “unbecoming conduct”, arguing his remarks violated ethical standards for MPs.
The union also demanded his removal as committee chair, citing “blatant bias”.
“By resorting to insults and incendiary language, Cameron has misused his constitutional mandate.
“How can he oversee SAPS fairly when he openly scapegoats officers cleared by courts?” asked Ngwenya.
