By: Nompendulo Ngubane
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, says he is not concerned about his own safety, but rather for the safety of ordinary South Africans who face increasing exposure to criminal activity.
Mkhwanazi was responding to questions from the media regarding his personal security during a Special Operational Media Briefing held in Durban on Monday.
In a bold and unprecedented move, the commissioner implicated several senior officials within the South African Police Service (SAPS), alleging their involvement in acts of corruption. He further revealed that law enforcement agencies are in possession of firearms that have been linked to the killings of high-profile individuals including prominent artists in Gauteng, whose murder cases remain unsolved.
“The concern is not about me, it’s about the people who have no protection and are vulnerable to these criminal elements,” said Mkhwanazi. “We cannot have a justice system that is infiltrated by syndicates.”
He confirmed that a criminal investigation has been launched into possible infiltration and manipulation of the country’s Criminal Justice System by organised crime syndicates. The inquiry is expected to examine how deep this alleged interference runs, and whether it has compromised police operations, court processes, or prosecutorial decisions.
This revelation has sparked nationwide concern, especially in the wake of several high-profile killings and ongoing questions about the integrity of the SAPS. Civil society groups have welcomed Mkhwanazi’s candour, calling for swift and transparent investigations, while also urging government authorities to provide him and other whistleblowers with adequate protection.
The Police Ministry has not yet issued a formal response to Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
