President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally responded to the explosive revelations dropped by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, describing the matter as a “grave national security concern” and vowing decisive action to safeguard South Africa’s security institutions.
In a carefully worded statement issued from the Presidency on Sunday, Ramaphosa assured the nation that the allegations—suggesting deep criminal infiltration of state organs including SAPS, the judiciary, and political structures—are being treated with the “highest priority attention.” He stressed the importance of protecting the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the country’s security services.
The President, currently in Brazil, stopped short of confirming any specific steps or suspensions but promised to announce concrete actions upon his return. His intervention comes as public pressure mounts over Mkhwanazi’s jaw-dropping claims of political shielding of crime bosses, the disbandment of critical investigative units, and direct interference from senior government officials.
Calling for “discipline and restraint,” Ramaphosa cautioned that the growing war of words and political finger-pointing could erode public trust and threaten the stability of SAPS itself. He warned that the spiral of accusations and counter-accusations risks “sowing confusion” at a time when clear leadership and accountability are urgently needed.
The President’s measured tone appears aimed at de-escalating tensions while buying time for a more formal response. Still, many are watching closely to see whether his next move will include suspensions, inquiries, or prosecutions, especially with key figures like Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya under a cloud of suspicion.
Ramaphosa’s statement may have steadied the national mood for now—but the spotlight is now firmly on what he will do next, and whether promises of action will lead to real accountability or another political dead end.
