Mkhwanazi’s claims point to a deeper crisis: Expert

Political and governance expert, Professor Sam Koma, says South Africans should be outraged by the revelations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and demand urgent action from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mkhwanazi came out guns blazing in a fiery media briefing on Sunday directly implicating Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and the Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, in the alleged corruption within the police service.

This includes claims that Mchunu had a role in the disbandment of the political killings task team in KZN, with over 120 dockets related to political killings gathering dust in Sibiya’s office, with little to no progress made on them.

Among the most damning claims, Mkhwanazi alleged that drug cartels are being aided from within the police ranks – while also accusing Mchunu of being financially supported by attempted murder accused, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Koma says the gravity of the allegations, including claims of political interference, corruption, and links to organised crime within the police service, warrants a strong and immediate response from both the public and the Presidency.

He says Mkhwanazi’s claims are not just institutional but point to a deeper crisis in governance and accountability.

While many have welcomed the KZN police boss’s explosive revelations, crime expert Mary de Haas has criticised his conduct, arguing that there were more appropriate channels to address his concerns.

De Haas says Mkhwanazi should have followed proper legal procedures, if he genuinely has evidence implicating the Police Minister.

“The option he has, if he has evidence against the minister, is to open a case and the case is dealt with legally. If he has a problem or complaint with the minister then he should approach Parliament.”

She also took issue with the political task team that Mkhwanazi defended in his briefing.

The now-disbanded unit, which he claimed was key to uncovering political interference within the police, was described by De Haas as ineffective and even harmful.

She alleges that the task team harassed and abused people, rather than solve crimes.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has called for an inquiry into the damning allegations.

He has also written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, seeking an urgent debate.

The EFF has called for the Minister’s suspension, while commending Mkhwanazi for his “bravery”.

The EFF’s Sinawo Thambo says the level of coordination, resourcing, and political protection confirms the party’s long held view that the ANC-led government has become a breeding ground for a mafia state.

“This was confirmed not so long ago by NPA’s National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi who highlighted the infiltration of the prosecuting authority, which made it impossible to prosecute cases effectively.”

“Essentially, the ANC government, through individuals like Senzo Mchunu, has transformed the state into a haven for gangsters masquerading as leaders.”

The MK Party has called on Mkhwanazi to lay criminal charges against Mchunu and Sibiya.

The party says no one is above the law and any further inaction will only confirm suspicions of institutional protection and political interference.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for restraint and discipline.

““This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention. It is vital that the integrity of the country’s security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.”

President’s spokesperson, Vicent Magwenya, says Ramaphosa will outline the actions to be taken on this matter when he returns from the BRICS leaders summit in Brazil.

The Police Minister has meanwhile rubbished the claims against him as baseless.

He says all these statements made by Mkhwanazi in public require an urgent, thorough and transparent investigation, on a proper platform.