Cameron under fire for “Thugs in uniform” comment
By Nkosana Khumalo
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”.
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Background: The N1 Highway Incident
In July 2023, a video surfaced showing members of the VIP Protection Unit, responsible for Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security, allegedly assaulting civilians on the N1 highway. The footage sparked national outrage and led to both criminal charges and an internal disciplinary process against the officers involved.
On 6 May 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) concluded its internal disciplinary process, clearing the eight officers of misconduct due to insufficient evidence. This decision was met with mixed reactions across the country.
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Cameron’s Controversial Remarks
Following the acquittal, Ian Cameron took to social media to express his disapproval, stating, “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.”
Cameron further accused Popcru of obstructing justice and defending police brutality, suggesting that the union played a role in delaying and undermining the disciplinary proceedings. 
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Popcru’s Response
Popcru, representing over 150,000 police and correctional services staff, condemned Cameron’s remarks as “reckless political grandstanding” and a deliberate attempt to delegitimise the role of organised labour.
In a statement, Popcru said: “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.”
Popcru President Thulani Ngwenya criticised Cameron’s comments as “a gross misuse of his parliamentary oversight role,” warning that such statements risk inciting hostility against police officers. Ngwenya added, “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?”
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Calls for Accountability
Popcru has formally petitioned Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests to investigate Cameron for “unbecoming conduct,” arguing that his remarks violated ethical standards for MPs. The union is also demanding his removal as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, citing “blatant bias.” 
Ngwenya questioned Cameron’s ability to oversee SAPS fairly, stating, “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?”
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Cameron’s Justification
In response to Popcru’s criticism, Cameron defended his statements, asserting that the acquittal of the VIP Protection Unit members was a miscarriage of justice. He argued that the internal disciplinary process lacked transparency and failed to hold the officers accountable for their actions captured in the video footage. 
Cameron also highlighted the need for legislative reforms to prevent the abuse of internal processes within SAPS and to limit the obstructive role of unions in misconduct cases. 
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