Expert questions timing of IPID’s probe into Mkhwanazi

Crime expert, Calvin Rafadi, has raised concerns over the timing of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (IPID) investigation into Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Rafadi says it’s odd that it comes amid two crucial positions, the head of the Hawks and national police commissioner, that are set to be filled soon, and mounting pressure on who will assume the roles.

 Mkhwanazi’s name has emerged as one of the people being touted for the top posts.

Police watchdog IPID confirmed that it is investigating the much-loved, ‘no-nonsense’ KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner following a complaint alleging his interference in the arrest of a Westville Correctional Services official in 2023.

The official was reportedly involved in a drug cartel.

Mkhwanazi initially dismissed these allegations as part of a smear campaign and vowed to expose the rot in the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the hands of corrupt officers and politicians.

But it seems the situation is more serious than initially thought as IPID has now given the career police officer until Wednesday to submit a sworn statement in response to the claims levelled against him.

While some suggest there may be a vendetta against Mkhwanazi to hinder his efforts in combating drug cartels, Rafadi asserts that, despite Mkhwanazi’s popularity on social media, IPID must be allowed to do its work without fear or favour.

“It is within their mandate if they receive any complaint lodged to follow it up and investigate. If IPID clears him, good for him and if it doesn’t clear him then he must be investigated,” adds the crime expert.

Another crime expert, Hendrick Lochner, says Mkhwanazi’s ‘no-nonsense’ approach to policing will likely continue to subject him to intense scrutiny.

The South African Policing Union (SAPU) suspects that the investigation is politically-motivated, citing Mkhwanazi’s lack of tolerance for political interference into investigations as a possible reason for the alleged campaign against him.

“The provincial police commissioner must not be distracted by what is happening and move his focus from the good work that he is doing. The fight against crime that Mkhwanazi and his team are making should be commended and should proceed,” SAPU spokesperson, Lesiba Thobakgale told Y’s sister channel, eNCA, in an interview.

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has welcomed the IPID probe while also dismissing rumours that he was behind the complaint against Mkhwanazi.

His spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, emphasised that the Minister supports the efforts of all police commissioners in the fight against crime.