What started as a routine police media briefing in KwaZulu-Natal has now turned into a full-blown national controversy.
Police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi didn’t hold back when he spoke on Sunday, 6 July—dropping shocking allegations that have shaken trust in the country’s justice system and law enforcement leadership.
Now, the judiciary is pushing back—and the nation is waiting to hear what President Cyril Ramaphosa will do next.
Mkhwanazi Accuses Justice Officials of Working With Criminals
At the heart of this controversy is a bold accusation: Mkhwanazi claims that members of the judiciary are colluding with criminals.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
During his briefing, the police commissioner didn’t just question the integrity of the courts—he also pointed fingers at Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, accusing him of interfering with police investigations for political reasons.
What’s more, Mkhwanazi said a special task team investigating political killings—a unit Mchunu reportedly wanted to disband last December—had discovered something even darker: a massive criminal syndicate involving senior politicians, top police officials, metro cops, correctional services staff, prosecutors, and powerful businesspeople.
According to him, this entire network is being orchestrated by a drug cartel based in Gauteng.
The Judiciary Fires Back, Demands Proof
Following these serious allegations, the judiciary has responded swiftly.
On Thursday, 10 July, the Office of the Chief Justice released a statement urging Mkhwanazi to come forward with evidence to support his claims.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya made it clear: these kinds of unverified accusations are harmful—not just to the people being accused, but to the public’s trust in the courts and the overall rule of law.
“If Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi—or anyone else—has credible evidence of misconduct within the judiciary, they must report it through proper legal channels,” she said.
“But making public claims without proof damages our justice system and weakens the institutions we rely on to protect our democracy.”
Political Leaders Applaud Mkhwanazi’s Courage
Despite the backlash from the judiciary, Mkhwanazi is receiving strong support from several political groups.
Many parties have praised his courage for speaking out and are now calling on President Ramaphosa to suspend Police Minister Mchunu pending a full investigation.
The big question on everyone’s mind: Will the President act?
Ramaphosa to Address the Nation on the Allegations
The Presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the country on Sunday, 13 July, to respond to the firestorm triggered by Mkhwanazi’s briefing.
According to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on the day of Mkhwanazi’s press conference.
But upon returning, the President committed to addressing the matter given the serious national security implications.
South Africans Are Watching—and Waiting
As this political drama unfolds, many South Africans are asking the same question:
Will President Ramaphosa take decisive action against Mchunu or launch a broader investigation into the claims?
Whether you’re hopeful, skeptical, or just deeply concerned, this moment could have a lasting impact on how South Africa deals with corruption, crime, and accountability in its highest institutions.