'Phansi ngo Cyril Phansi! Crowd demands action after Mkhwanazi allegations
Image: Leon Lestrade
Hundreds of Durban's residents came out in support of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Wednesday for the Hands Off Mkhwanazi march.
The march started at the Curries Fountain Sports Development Centre to Hoy Park.
It follows Mkhwanazi's explosive allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, on July 6.
On Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Mchunu had been placed on special leave and announced that Professor Firoz Cachalia would be acting police minister.
Additionally, Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga.
The marchers, which included uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MK Party) members and other organisations, sang and chanted for Ramaphosa to step down
"Phansi ngo Cyril Phansi! Cyril must go," they chanted.
Nokuthula Cele, who is from the Umnotho Wabansundu, which organised the march, said Mkhwanazi is one of South Africa's true leaders for exposing the alleged criminals that have infiltrated the country's law enforcement and government.
"Law enforcement has failed us. We ask ourselves why there are cases that are not followed through or investigated when we have the justice system. It appears that it is tied up and there is no clear explanation as to why," Cele said.
Mkhwanazi has ruffled the feathers of the police minister and others in law enforcement, she added.
"We know that they'll try to stop Mkhwanazi or remove him from his position. So, we are here to illustrate, demonstrate, and amplify that we will protect him."
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For Building Better Communities member Lenzo Pillay, the march was about the truth. Pillay claimed that the nation has been held ransom by criminals for too long.
"We have been looted, extorted, mismanaged, raped and pillaged. There has been no change for the man on the street for the past 30 years. We want Senzo Mchunu to be jailed. We say no to the commission. There is not time to spend public funds.
"We don't want rate and taxpayers' money spent on commissions that are endless. What are the results from the Zondo commission? Who is in jail? Cyril and the ANC have lost the plot. It is time they all stepped down and go to old age homes. It is time for the youth to take over" he said.
Another marcher, David Saunders echoed the bolstering of Mkhwanazi. He also claimed that the government would try to strip the General of his post. "We are here to back him up. The country needs to stand together and assist someone who is actually doing the work for our country."
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