SAPS troubles: Ramaphosa enters Mchunu-Mkhwanazi feud
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal (SAPS KZN), alleged that the pair are running high-profile crime syndicates in collaboration with government officials.
Commenting on the allegations, Ramaphosa said it's a matter of grave national security that must receive priority attention. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding the country's security services and upholding the rule of law.
The president also urged discipline and restraint in handling the matter, warning that public accusations and commentary could erode trust in the police. He said such actions threaten the unity and focus of the SAPS.
Ramaphosa is set to announce further steps when he returns from the BRICS Leaders' Summit currently underway in Brazil.
The police minister dismissed the claims as 'wild allegations', saying he will not allow his integrity or the SAPS to be undermined without evidence. He confirmed that the police would review Mkhwanazi's statements and consider appropriate action.
Mchunu reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and reducing crime, particularly in provinces with high crime rates.
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Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading But the question is why did Mkhwanazi expose it now? Was there a link between Mkhwanazi's explosive revelations and the arrest of Crime Intelligence Head, Dumisani Khumalo? He was afterall, said to be close to Mkhwanazi. But, despite being the darling of South Africans, Mkhwanazi's past has also been questioned. His rapid rise to the top, catapulted to acting national police commissioner by former president Jacob Zuma had tongues wagging back then. And, before there could be more tongue wagging and barking over his appointment, he was a victim of the Zuma curse - thrown under the bus and dismissed by Zuma, ostensibly following an ongoing rift between himself (Mkhwanazi) and then Police Minister Nathi Mthetwa. But, in 2018, Mkhwanazi was back, this time as KZN Police Commissioner, under President Cyril Ramaphosa - a move which was largely criticised quietly as many felt he was too young and others with more experience had been overlooked for the top job. Mkhwanazi shrugged off the criticism back then and said he was ready to take on crime & corruption within police ranks. Since then, he has fallen out of favour with many within his ranks. 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He is not foolish enough to make damning claims without proof - or at least doesn't appear to be. He has a file of evidence against senior politicians and their corrupt activities - he's confirmed this. What ever his reason for going public now, his bombshell claims should have been backed with evidence. How else will South Africans know the truth? We don't need another commission of enquiry costing thousands of rands if Mkhwanazi has the proof. It's time he revealed them. Show South Africans the receipts. Back up his claims or sink his reputation. Mkhwanazi's claims are heading for a parliamentary showdown as political parties are already demanding answers. Many have already written to the portfolio committee. Those implicated will no doubt work fast and furiously to prevent their names from being exposed if not out already. Behind the scenes, there's a frenzy. The question is what will be done to silence the release of more information? 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