In KwaZulu-Natal, a heated debate is unfolding around the future of Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) youth command has stepped up to defend him amid an ongoing investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
This probe, launched in March 2025, accuses Mkhwanazi of allegedly interfering with the arrest of a high-ranking correctional services official—a charge that’s now stirring quite a bit of controversy.
EFF Youth Command Marches to Demand Investigation Be Dropped
On 16 May 2025, the EFF youth command organized a march from Curries Fountain Stadium to the South African Police Service Provincial Head Office in Durban.
Their message was clear: the IPID should drop its investigation into the police chief.
Nduduzo Masango, part of the EFF’s Provincial Youth Interim leadership in KZN, told The South African that the commissioner has been targeted because he’s been going after the “big fish” in government.
“In his fight against crime, he’s ruffled some powerful feathers, and now they’re fighting back.
Since we, the EFF, are against crime, we stand behind General Mkhwanazi because he’s on the front lines fighting it,” Masango said.
He added, “We can’t allow a commissioner who is working hard to fight crime to be pushed out of his job. The IPID needs to stop this investigation immediately.”
Community Voices Back Commissioner Amidst Allegations
The march attracted a range of community members who echoed the youth command’s concerns, believing the probe is part of a campaign to undermine Mkhwanazi’s efforts.
Silindile Zungu, a resident from Amaoti, Inanda, shared her frustration: “This man helped us arrest four members of the West gang that have terrorized our community for years.
We’ve been protesting against them for so long, and now that someone is actually helping us, they want to chase him away with these allegations? It’s just not right.”
Is the IPID Investigation Legitimate or a Smear Campaign?
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has earned a reputation as a tough, no-nonsense cop who is committed to rooting out crime.
That’s why the sudden investigation by IPID has raised many eyebrows and questions about the true motive behind it.
Some speculate that the probe might be a political move.
Rumors circulated that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was behind the investigation, but Mchunu has publicly denied any involvement.
“This investigation came from an anonymous complaint from the public.
I want to be very clear that I have not filed any complaint against Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi,” Minister Mchunu stated.
Mkhwanazi Points to Past Decisions as Possible Trigger
Mkhwanazi himself has suggested that the investigation might be retaliation linked to his role in a previous case.
In an interview with EWN, he explained that the probe started after he cleared Feroz Khan, head of counter-intelligence, of charges related to a 2021 cocaine bust.
“I think this whole thing may have come up because I accepted the role of presiding officer over the case involving General Khan.
Lawyers started sending me emails, and it felt like someone wanted me to step away from that case,” Mkhwanazi said.
Despite the pressure, he vowed not to back down.
“I’m committed to the case and won’t be intimidated or pushed aside,” he added firmly.
What do you think? Is the IPID investigation a legitimate inquiry or an attempt to derail a committed police chief? Feel free to share your thoughts or get involved by contacting the news outlets or joining the conversation online.