South African academic and public intellectual Professor Mahmood Mamdani has issued a formal apology to the South African Police Service (SAPS) after his recent comments describing officers as “racist, wicked, and corrupt” caused widespread backlash. The controversial remarks, made during a university discussion last week, triggered sharp criticism from police unions, government officials, and civil society leaders who accused Mamdani of spreading divisive rhetoric.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mamdani retracted his words and expressed regret for the language he used, calling his comments “emotionally charged and regrettably sweeping.” The apology came after mounting pressure from both academic peers and law enforcement representatives demanding accountability for what many considered an unfair generalization of South Africa’s police force.
The Incident and Its Fallout
During a campus event on institutional racism and governance at the University of Cape Town, Mamdani reportedly made remarks accusing sections of the police of perpetuating racial profiling and systemic abuse. He went further, alleging that corruption within the police reflected “moral decay” across state institutions. The speech, part of a panel discussion streamed to hundreds of viewers online, quickly circulated on social media, igniting a storm of criticism.
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SAPS officials condemned the statements as “reckless and inflammatory.” Police unions described Mamdani’s words as “a smear against thousands of hardworking officers who risk their lives daily.” By Sunday, a formal letter of complaint had been lodged with the university administration, demanding an official retraction.
Mamdani’s Public Apology
Facing growing scrutiny, Mamdani addressed the issue directly in a recorded statement distributed to media outlets. He acknowledged that his frustration over reported cases of misconduct among certain officers led him to use language that was “unfair to the broader institution and its members.”
“I let my emotions override my judgment,” Mamdani said. “While I stand firmly against injustice and misconduct, I recognize that the majority of officers serve with integrity under difficult circumstances. My words unfairly painted all of them with the same brush, and for that, I am deeply sorry.”
The academic also reaffirmed his respect for law enforcement and invited police representatives to participate in future dialogues on institutional reform. He stated that building trust between citizens and police “requires both honesty and restraint in public discourse.”
Police Response to the Apology
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe responded to Mamdani’s apology, describing it as “a welcome step toward restoring mutual respect.” However, she emphasized that public figures must be “mindful of the power their words hold” and avoid statements that could undermine national morale or encourage hostility toward officers.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) echoed similar sentiments, saying it appreciated the apology but expected “academic leaders to foster balance and constructive engagement, not public vilification.” The union called for continued dialogue on reforming the relationship between police and the communities they serve.
Broader Debate on Police Accountability
The controversy has reignited conversations about the fragile relationship between law enforcement and the public, especially amid ongoing allegations of police brutality and corruption in South Africa. Civil society groups note that while criticism of systemic problems is legitimate, sweeping condemnations can alienate officers who are committed to reform.
Political analyst Sipho Kgosana commented that Mamdani’s remarks, while harsh, “touched on broader frustrations many South Africans feel” regarding police misconduct. He added that the incident highlights the need for open but respectful dialogue between intellectuals, policymakers, and law enforcement.
“Apology aside, this episode shows how tense the social contract remains between citizens and the police,” Kgosana said. “Both sides must move beyond blame to collaboration.”
University’s Position
The University of Cape Town confirmed that it had received complaints about Mamdani’s initial remarks but said the matter was resolved after his public apology. In a brief statement, the university reaffirmed its commitment to free expression while emphasizing that “academic freedom carries the obligation of responsible engagement.”
University officials said no disciplinary action was being pursued, as the professor had voluntarily apologized and clarified his stance. They added that the institution encourages ongoing discussion about institutional racism, accountability, and ethical leadership within public service.
Reaction from the Public
Reactions on social media have been mixed. Some users praised Mamdani for owning up to his mistake and demonstrating intellectual humility, while others argued that his apology came only under pressure. A few activists defended his initial comments, claiming they reflected public disillusionment with persistent police abuse and lack of transparency.
A Twitter user wrote, “He was wrong to generalize, but he’s not wrong to call out the rot within the system.” Another replied, “Apologies are good, but change is better. We need action from police, not outrage at critics.”
Moving Forward
Observers say Mamdani’s apology may help ease immediate tensions but that the underlying issues he raised remain urgent. Discussions are expected to continue between academic researchers, civil society, and SAPS leadership on how to combat racial bias and corruption effectively.
For his part, Mamdani has pledged to engage more constructively in public debates around governance and justice. “We must learn to challenge injustice without losing compassion,” he stated. “That begins with taking responsibility for our words.”
FAQs
Who is Mahmood Mamdani?
Mahmood Mamdani is a Ugandan-born academic known for his work on African politics, colonial legacies, and institutional governance. He has held posts at major universities including the University of Cape Town and Columbia University.
What did Mamdani say about the police?
He described sections of the police as “racist, wicked, and corrupt” during a university panel, a comment later retracted after public outrage.
How did the police respond?
SAPS condemned his remarks as reckless, but later accepted his public apology and emphasized the need for constructive dialogue.
Is the issue resolved?
Yes, the immediate dispute appears settled following Mamdani’s apology, though the broader discussion on police reform continues.
