The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal has strongly defended Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi amid rising allegations of misconduct and abuse of power. These accusations suggest that Mkhwanazi interfered with the arrest of a senior Correctional Services official who is allegedly involved in a drug cartel operating out of the notorious Westville Maximum Security Prison. Despite these serious claims, SAPS maintains that Mkhwanazi is being targeted because of his aggressive stance against organized crime and corruption in the province.
KZN Police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, was quick to dismiss the accusations, attributing them to frustration from criminal elements angered by the police’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug syndicates and combat violent crime. Netshiunda pointed out that the allegations against Mkhwanazi were not unexpected, especially given the tough measures being implemented to clean up the province’s crime-ridden areas.
“Allegations of interference against Commissioner Mkhwanazi are baseless and malicious. When the police work diligently, especially in areas as complex as drug syndicates, it’s natural for the criminal world to react,” said Netshiunda. “These unfounded allegations are part of a smear campaign designed to derail our progress in fighting crime. No personal attack on Mkhwanazi or any other officer will stop us from protecting law-abiding citizens.”
While Netshiunda expressed confidence that public trust in the KZN police force remains intact, the allegations have raised eyebrows, particularly among experts and community leaders. Violence and police monitor, Professor Mary De Haas, emphasized that these claims are serious and warrant independent scrutiny. She argued that the accusations against Mkhwanazi, along with the controversial handling of the political killings task team, demand a thorough investigation by an unbiased oversight body.
“The allegations against Mkhwanazi are indeed serious,” De Haas commented. “There are also ongoing concerns about his involvement with the political killings task team, which raises questions about transparency and accountability within the SAPS. We need an independent inquiry into these matters, and unfortunately, bodies like the IPID have not proven effective in addressing such high-profile concerns. What is needed is a judicial oversight body, perhaps with a judge experienced in criminal law, to oversee police activities, including those within IPID.”
Despite the growing controversy, Mkhwanazi remains one of South Africa’s most popular and respected police commissioners, particularly for his leadership in tackling the province’s high crime rates. He was recently praised for his instrumental role in the investigation into the murder of Hip Hop artist Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, where suspects linked to the killing were extradited from eSwatini and formally charged.
While Mkhwanazi’s leadership has drawn both commendations and criticisms, it’s clear that his tenure has sparked significant debate on the effectiveness and accountability of police operations in KwaZulu-Natal. As the accusations continue to unfold, questions about proper oversight and transparency within SAPS are likely to remain a central point of contention in the coming months.
