By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, says there is political interference in cases being investigated by the police service.
Mkhwanazi, dressed in his Special Task Force combat uniform and surrounded by other armed officers from the STF and TRT units addressed the media on special operation in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN).
The top cop has questioned the dissolution of the political killings task team established in 2018.
He says since the establishment of the task team — it has investigated a total of 612 case dockets – including murder, attempted murders, intimidation and conspiracy to commit murder.
Mkhwanazi said that a total of 436 suspects were arrested and charged, citing that some of the firearms confiscated are also linked directly to the politically related killings.
He alleges that 121 case dockets that were under investigation were taken away from the task team as directed by a Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya.
He said that Sibiya was acting on the instructions of the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu to disband the team.
Mkhwanazi said he would be opening a case against Mchunu for alleged interference in policing matters. He said this extended to the minister’s hand and influence in the closure of a task team unit.
He also said links between an associate of the minister and the alleged criminal underworld, had been made through cellphone analysis.
Mkhwanazi also appeared to be defending his boss, Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and the senior officers recently arrested in terms of a recent Crime Intellengence racket bust. He proclaimed his boss was the Police Commissioner, no one else, and that the police minister had no rights nor powers to close down policing units. He also claimed there was a ploy to remove Masemola in order to destabilise the police.
Mkhwanazi made damning and alarming revelations, accusing Mchunu of shutting down the political killings task team unit just as it was uncovering links between a powerful drug cartel and high-ranking politicians, police officers, and prosecutors.
He also said Mchunu had organized a private meeting between himself, Sibiya and Mkhwanazi, where he attempted to clear the bad blood between them.
Mkhwanazi remarked that “there can never be peace between a criminal and policeman”, he said, labelling the national crimes detection boss, Sibiya, as a criminal.
“We are on combat mode, I am taking on the criminals directly… I am a police officer, who understood the task at hand when I joined the service.
“I chose the combating side of policing. I understand that at this present moment the war we are facing deals with high level senior officers,” said Mkhwanazi.
In response, Sibiya has denied the claims, saying that Mkhwanazi’s behaviour is not fitting for a senior police official.
“All these things that General Mkhwanazi said, they don’t make sense and I don’t understand where it is taking that from and his not really behaving in a disciplinary manner in which it is expected of a senior police official like him.”
Mkhwanazi said police need to dismantle the drug cartels to end crime in the country.
“We need to destroy all drug nests because it is these drugs that fuel crime in the country; criminals become brave after taking drugs and start doing criminal activities.”
Mkhwanazi said he was happy with the work of the police, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. However, he said there was still room for improvement.
Reactions
Chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee, Ian Cameron, says Mkhwanazi took a worthy risk to bring back the integrity of SAPS.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, for an urgent debate in Parliament on corruption within the SAPS.
“Our country will never win against violent crime, and our streets will never be safe, until the SAPS has robust integrity management inside and out, said Cameron.
ActionSA
The President of the Republic, who is presently away, must immediately respond to allegations against a Cabinet Minister.
ActionSA says it has repeatedly warned that South Africa’s criminal justice system has been hollowed out by those tasked with eradicating criminality, with the current leadership vacuum in crime intelligence further deepening the crisis. Mkhwanazi’s remarks are a clear indication that the situation has reached breaking point. Parliament must therefore intervene without delay, as responsibility cannot rest solely with the Minister of Police or the President, who have presided over the escalation and deepening of this crisis.
The party added its supports all legitimate and lawful efforts to root out corruption and contain the rampant crime rate in our country. We are determined to use every legislative tool at our disposal to defend those who are determined and dedicated to combating the scourge of crime and corruption and expose those who undermine these efforts.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called for the suspension of Mchunu following the damning allegations by Mkhwanazi.
The party has praised Mkhwanazi for what they called his bravery in speaking out, and has called for an urgent parliamentary inquiry to ensure accountability from all parties involved.
MK Party
The MK Party said Mkhwanazi’s recent actions and statements underscore a relentless commitment to safeguarding the people and upholding the sanctity of the law, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the fight against political crimes and violence.
“The integrity of our democratic institutions and the safety of our citizens should always be paramount. Any efforts that hint at sabotaging justice and truth, regardless of the source, must be eradicated.”
African National Congress (ANC)
The ANC said it is assured that president Cyril Ramaphosa is attending to allegations raised by Mkhwanazi with the urgency and seriousness deserved.
The party said it notes with great concern the issues raised by Mkhwanazi.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of accountability, justice and the protection of all South Africans under the law.”