Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner and a significant figure within the South African Police Service (SAPS). He has a notable career, having served as Acting National Commissioner of SAPS and as the Head of the elite Special Task Force (STF), a tactical police unit he qualified for and served in as a special operator. His background in the STF underscores his experience in high-risk operations and combating serious crime.
Mkhwanazi is known for his firm stance against organized crime and corruption. His recent public statements have sent shockwaves through the SAPS and political circles, leading to calls for urgent investigations.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of Mkhwanazi’s recent allegations and the individuals/entities he has named:
Core Allegations and People Named:
- Disbandment of Political Killings Task Team and Shielding of Politicians:
- Mkhwanazi alleges that the high-profile Political Killings Task Team, which was established in 2018 to investigate politically motivated murders in KwaZulu-Natal and later extended to other provinces, was disbanded because it was getting too close to uncovering a criminal syndicate involving politicians, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors.
- He claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu ordered the closure of this task team, leading to 121 case dockets being removed in early 2025, ostensibly to protect politically connected suspects.
- Mkhwanazi explicitly stated that this syndicate includes politicians currently serving in Parliament.
- Police Corruption and Obstruction:
- He publicly accused some senior SAPS officials of involvement in corrupt activities and manipulation within crime intelligence units.
- Specifically, he named Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, accusing him of criminal conduct, including willful obstruction of justice and shielding politically connected suspects. Mkhwanazi claims Sibiya corruptly demanded control of the 121 case dockets related to political assassinations and organized crimes, only for them to be stalled under his supervision. Sibiya has vehemently refuted these allegations, stating there is “no truth whatsoever” to Mkhwanazi’s claims.
- Mkhwanazi also highlighted issues such as unauthorized access to crime intelligence information and manipulation of security clearance processes for personal benefit, implying a deep infiltration of organized crime within SAPS.
- Political Interference by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu:
- Mkhwanazi made explosive accusations directly against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, alleging political interference in police operations and undermining the independence of law enforcement in KwaZulu-Natal.
- He claimed that Mchunu is in “constant communication with people involved in criminal activities.”
- Crucially, Mkhwanazi revealed evidence from the phone of accused underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, which allegedly links Minister Mchunu to unauthorized communications through an associate, Brown Mogotsi. Matlala, who was arrested for attempted murder in May, was reportedly awarded a R360 million police contract under suspicious circumstances. Mkhwanazi also suggested that WhatsApp messages from Matlala’s phone indicate Mchunu’s knowledge of the task team’s disbandment before it was public, discussions of “solutions” to investigations, and apparent financial support for political campaigns.
- Mkhwanazi further accused Mchunu of misleading Parliament about his relationship with individuals linked to organized crime.
- Minister Mchunu has dismissed Mkhwanazi’s allegations as “wild claims” lacking evidence and stated that he will review Mkhwanazi’s statements and consider appropriate action, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the rule of law.
- Criticism of Crime Intelligence and Compromised Investigations:
- Mkhwanazi pointed out that certain individuals within crime intelligence, including a former police officer now working as a lead investigator without proper qualifications, have been given undue authority, which compromises investigations and security vetting.
- He implied a plot to destabilize SAPS by targeting National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and framing senior officers to prevent them from exposing crime and corruption.
- He also mentioned that firearms linked to the killing of high-profile South Africans, including artists in Gauteng, have been in police possession but no action has been taken. This specifically includes the 2024 murder of Transnet contractor Armand Swart, where a police warrant officer has already been charged, and ballistic analysis allegedly linked firearms to broader high-profile crimes.
- Commitment to Fighting Organized Crime:
- Despite these significant internal challenges, Mkhwanazi reiterated his unwavering commitment to combating organized crime, political killings, and serious crimes such as murder, robbery, hijacking, and housebreaking in KwaZulu-Natal. He confirmed that a criminal investigation has been launched into the allegations of infiltration and control of the criminal justice system by organized crime syndicates.
Reactions and Calls for Investigation:
- The allegations have prompted strong reactions from various political parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA, who have written to the National Assembly Speaker to request an urgent parliamentary debate on corruption within SAPS and a full, independent commission of inquiry.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has indicated that the President is aware of the developments and will address the matter.
In essence, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi’s statements expose a deep-seated crisis within the South African Police Service, alleging high-level corruption and political interference that he claims are actively undermining efforts to combat serious crime and protect politically connected individuals. The situation has ignited a major political and institutional controversy, with calls for immediate and transparent investigations into the serious allegations.
