Mkhwanazi's bombshell: ANC urges Ramaphosa to act on 'grave' allegations
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the claims, which touch on state integrity and the fight against crime, must be investigated thoroughly to protect South Africa from descending into lawlessness.
On Sunday, Mkhwanazi made damning allegations against Mchunu, accusing the minister of interfering with police investigations and being an associate of people with questionable characters.
In a media briefing, Mbalula said the allegations touch on the very integrity of the criminal justice system, and the constitutional obligation of the state to protect all South Africans.
'We call upon Ramaphosa to act with the seriousness and urgency this matter demands. The ANC reaffirms its commitment to accountability, non-interference in law enforcement, and the full protection of whistle-blowers, investigators and officers of the law,' Mbalula said.
Ramaphosa noted the statements by Mkhwanazi and said this is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest-priority attention.
Mbalula said the party fully supports Ramaphosa's view, as the ANC is on the side of the truth.
'It is important that all those matters that have been raised are attended to, and we bring stability in terms of law enforcement in our country as we pursue efforts in the fight against crime in our country,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
21 minutes ago
- eNCA
Will President Cyril Ramaphosa act on allegations?
JOHANNESBURG - South Africans are waiting to hear what President Cyril Ramaphosa will say on Sunday evening. The President is scheduled to address the nation on KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's revelations. Mkhwanzi's allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Judiciary are in cahoots with criminal syndicates shook the nation. But will the president act decisively?
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Former Deputy President David Mabuza laid to rest
Beneath an unseasonably warm winter sun, the rolling hills of Mpumalanga stood as silent witness as South Africa bid a final farewell to former Deputy President David 'DD' Mabuza on Saturday. Mabuza passed away last week at the age of 64, following a short illness. He was buried at a family burial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga. Delivering the eulogy at Mabuza's funeral service, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the day as a moment of sombre reflection. 'We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance to honour the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution to our journey to a democratic South Africa. We are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people. 'It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade David Dabede Mabuza will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered. David Mabuza, DD, as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well,' he said. The Mpumalanga-born politician – affectionately referred to as 'DD' or 'The Cat' – was a teacher by training. However, he was drawn into political activism and, subsequently, the public service. Mabuza's journey into the public service began in 1994 in Mpumalanga, where he served as a Member of the Executive Council in several portfolios. He then served as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 until he became a Member of Parliament and then Deputy President in 2018. 'He served as our country's Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC). 'When he served as a Member of Parliament and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties. 'In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity,' President Ramaphosa said. As President Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, a multitude of citizens lined the streets of Mbombela – forming a guard of honour for the former Deputy President as he was taken to his final resting place among the people of Mpumalanga. 'He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch. 'Since the news came of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD's home in Barberton to pay their respects. Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province. 'He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,' President Ramaphosa noted. He highlighted that Mabuza leaves a legacy of 'being quick to respond to matters of service delivery'. 'Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga, who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga. 'Today in this province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. Those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings. They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises,' he said. President Ramaphosa reflected on the five years he and Mabuza spent as President and Deputy President of South Africa. '[During] this time, I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy. 'As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state. 'In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on. We will always remember him as a unifier,' he said. The President offered words of solace and comfort to the family and gave a final word to the departed man himself. 'You walked the path not always lit, through the dust of doubt, you did commit. I worked with you and saw your commitment. Your voice was not loud, but it was firm and still. You were able to shape the course with quiet will. 'I saw you bear the weight of province and land, with measured step and steady hand. Though storms did gather, and winds did sway, you held the centre night and day. Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil. Your work is done and complete. The country remembers you,' President Ramaphosa concluded. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Political interference in SAPS: Experts weigh in ahead of Ramaphosa's address
South Africans await to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa's views and decision about Police Minister Senzo Mchunu amid corruption allegations. Image: File As the nation awaits President Cyril Ramaphosa's address on Sunday evening regarding serious allegations of political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), concerns about the integrity of law enforcement and governance continue to deepen. The president's forthcoming speech follows a dramatic public statement on July 6 by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who revealed allegations implicating senior political figures, including Minister Senzo Mchunu and police officials, in systemic corruption and manipulation. Ramaphosa, having been at the BRICS Summit in Brazil when the allegations emerged, promised to act decisively upon his return. Experts say the situation reflects longstanding challenges within the SAPS and the broader justice system. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. 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 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Dr Simon Howell of the University of Cape Town's Centre of Criminology explained that while such public accusations at the national level are uncommon, 'within the organisation, there may be lots of people talking about things'. He stressed the importance of thorough inquiry: 'Credibility depends on who's making the statement, the reasons, and the evidence they can show. Considering the allegations made, there will need to be some type of inquiry.' Howell highlights the damaging effects of political interference on crime investigation. 'There have been recorded instances of political interference having a significant impact,' he noted, recalling the firing of Robert McBride from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate after he pursued allegations against senior officers. 'Political interference is a distraction from operational policing… it undermines police resources and public focus on the issues that should matter.' The constitutional design intended to separate political oversight from operational policing has, according to Howell, been eroded over time. 'The distinctions between the police minister and the commissioner have become very blurred. So long as those boundaries remain unclear, there are significant issues. The president needs to take firm leadership to restore and strengthen these boundaries.' On oversight bodies, Howell observed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has become 'often toothless', lacking the power to conduct meaningful investigations. He pointed to recent successes by the Ministerial Police Agency (MPA) but insisted that reform is critical if public trust is to be rebuilt. The backlog of investigations, Howell added, not only damages public confidence but also corrodes police morale and discipline. 'Imagine working in an organisation where bosses are constantly under investigation or arresting one another. This has a severe effect on policing. Clear guidance and leadership are essential.' Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe described the allegations as 'dire', warning that they pose a fundamental challenge to the African National Congress and the entire criminal justice system. He condemned the ANC's handling of the Phala Phala scandal, particularly the classification of the report as top secret by Mchunu, who now faces accusations from Mkhwanazi of interference in policing operations. Seepe said: 'Phala Phala has already compromised Ramaphosa's standing. He is the last person to talk about the fight against corruption.' He called for the consistent application of the rule of law, including the removal of those implicated in corruption from positions of power. Legal expert Dr Lennit Max, a former police advisor, warned of serious consequences if Mchunu is found to have misled Parliament or interfered in police matters. 'The minister can be reported to Parliament's Ethics Committee for misleading the House, and a criminal case for perjury may be opened. If convicted, he could face jail, a suspended sentence, or a fine.' Max pointed to precedents set by the convictions of former national commissioner Jackie Selebi and ex-head of Crime Intelligence Lieutenant General Richard Mdluli, emphasising that 'no one is above the law'. He suggested the president may appoint an independent judge or commission to investigate the allegations and systemic failings within the SAPS. Meanwhile, businessman Brown Mogotsi, named by Mkhwanazi as connected to the controversy, denied any improper relationship with Mchunu or influence over the SAPS. In a TV interview, Mogotsi said he was not a police officer and held no formal role within the service. He claimed that he had phoned Mkhwanazi days before the media briefing to discuss fears among officers about arrests under Section J50. Mogotsi rejected claims that he arranged meetings with businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala on the minister's behalf or benefited from SAPS tenders, saying: 'Ministers don't run tenders. I've never done that, consciously or unconsciously.' He also denied any familial or professional ties to the minister's spokesperson and expressed concern for his safety after receiving threats. Mkhwanazi revealed that Mogotsi first contacted him via WhatsApp in September 2024, warning of attempts to discredit the police commissioner through legal manipulation. The messages included sensitive police documents and raised questions about the extent to which outsiders interfere in operational policing. The allegations have sparked political fallout, with the MK Party's Deputy President, Dr Mandlakayise John Hlophe, calling on Ramaphosa to dismiss Mchunu within 48 hours, reinstate the disbanded Political Killings Task Team, and establish a judicial commission of inquiry. 'The minister's alleged interference in SAPS operations and connections to corruption have rendered his position untenable,' Hlophe wrote. 'His continued tenure undermines the credibility of your administration and the fight against organised crime.' He warned that failure to act would leave the MK Party no choice but to pursue all available mechanisms of accountability, including parliamentary oversight, legal action, and mass mobilisation. 'The Constitution enjoins you, Mr President, to act in the best interests of the Republic. The time to act is now.'
