By: Buhle Mbhele
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has confirmed that security has been reinforced at the Durban residence of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, following a series of death threats allegedly linked to high-profile investigations into political assassinations.
The threats come in the wake of explosive allegations made by Mkhwanazi, who has accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in investigations into political killings and organised crime in the province. Specifically, Mkhwanazi claims that the minister was behind a controversial decision to disband the elite task team investigating political murders, a move that sparked public and political concern.
In a developing twist, National Commissioner Masemola has distanced himself from the directive.
“I did not authorise any letter disbanding the task team,” Masemola stated during a press briefing on Monday. “Any such instruction was not sanctioned at the national level and is now under internal review.”
The elite task team had been investigating dozens of unresolved cases involving political figures, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, a province with a long and violent history of politically motivated killings. Its sudden disbandment raised red flags among civil society groups, opposition parties, and even some within the ANC.
Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi’s security detail has reportedly been significantly increased, with SAPS sources confirming that both overt and covert protective measures have been implemented. The threats against him are believed to be linked not only to the political killings probe but also to his public stance against corruption within the police service.
The Police Ministry has not issued a formal response to Mkhwanazi’s allegations, but tensions between the provincial and national leadership appear to be escalating.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police is expected to summon senior officials for a briefing as pressure mounts for transparency and accountability in the handling of politically sensitive investigations.
