South Africa’s law enforcement leadership has been rocked by a dramatic war of words after shocking allegations were made public in KwaZulu-Natal.
At the center of it all are claims of corruption, drug cartels, and political interference—sparking major concerns about the state of the country’s security institutions.
Police Minister Pushes Back Hard Against Unproven Claims
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu didn’t mince his words in response to the allegations swirling around his name.
He made it crystal clear that he won’t allow his integrity—or that of the Ministry or SAPS as a whole—to be dragged through the mud without solid proof or due process.
His strong stance followed a fiery press conference that sent shockwaves across the country.
Mkhwanazi Drops a Bombshell at Sunday Briefing
The storm was stirred by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s police commissioner, during a press briefing held on Sunday, July 6.
He made jaw-dropping claims that the task team investigating political killings had uncovered a deeply entrenched criminal syndicate.
According to Mkhwanazi, this network is not just a ragtag group of criminals—it allegedly includes senior politicians, top police officials, metro officers, prosecutors, correctional service employees, and well-connected business figures, all operating under the control of a drug cartel active in Gauteng and KZN.
Minister Accused of Political Interference in Key Investigations
But the most controversial accusation came when Mkhwanazi claimed that Minister Mchunu interfered directly with investigations.
He alleged that the Minister ordered the disbanding of the political killings task team and demanded the withdrawal of 120 case dockets—a move that would undermine the entire operation.
Ministry Promises a Review and Transparent Action
In response, the Minister’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said the ministry would review Mkhwanazi’s public statements and consider the next steps carefully.
Mogotsi emphasized that these are serious allegations that need to be handled with transparency and urgency—but through the proper legal platforms, not press conferences.
She reiterated that Minister Mchunu remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law, maintaining accountability within SAPS, and serving South Africans with honesty and integrity.
Political Parties Demand Urgent Debate in Parliament
The fallout has already extended into the political arena.
Parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA have quickly called for an urgent parliamentary debate to address the explosive allegations.
ActionSA didn’t hold back in its statement, warning that Mkhwanazi’s claims suggest deep-rooted criminal infiltration within SAPS—and even hinting that the Minister himself may be compromised.
They argue this is not just about internal corruption, but a national security threat with far-reaching consequences.
What Happens Now?
With the public watching closely and Parliament expected to weigh in, this could be the beginning of a serious reckoning for South Africa’s policing institutions.
Whether Mkhwanazi’s claims hold up under formal investigation or not, they’ve already put intense pressure on SAPS and the Ministry to prove that the fight against crime isn’t being sabotaged from within.