Latest news with #Mkhwanazi
The Citizen
42 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Reports of R18m found in safe in KZN house fake news, Saps says
A post claimed that the money was found by Saps National Intervention Unit (NIU). The South African Police Service (Saps) says reports of R18 million found in a safe in a house in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are fake news. A post shared on a social media platform on Wednesday claimed that the money was found by the National Intervention Unit (NIU). 'The National Intervention Unit (NIU) has raided Dudu Myeni's house and allegedly found R18 million in a safe. The house now belongs to Thalente Myeni, the son,' the post read. Fake news Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the post on X is fake news. 'The South African Police Service warns against the spread of fake news about an Saps National Intervention Unit (NIU) raid in which R18 million was found in a safe at a house in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.' ALSO READ: Chief Justice Mandisa Maya impersonated on social media Responsible reporting Mathe has called for responsible social media reporting and for users to verify information first before sharing. 'The Saps, therefore, confirms no raid was undertaken by any of its units, more so the National Intervention Unit (NIU),' Mathe said. Fake Mkhwanazi account Last week, several social media accounts purporting to be KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi surfaced on X, following explosive allegations of political interference in police operations by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya. Since Mkhwanazi made the allegations, several fake accounts have appeared on social media, particularly on X, TikTok and Facebook, using the names and photographs of the top cop. Legal action KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said they have taken note of the fake social media accounts. 'Police in KwaZulu-Natal would like to inform the public that Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi does not have a social media account, and declare that all social media accounts bearing his name and photographs are fake. They are being used to deceive the public into believing that it is the provincial commissioner communicating via such platforms. 'Although police are contemplating taking legal steps against those who impersonate the provincial commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal to advance their personal agendas, the public is hereby informed that those profiles are fake and that neither the police in KwaZulu-Natal nor the provincial commissioner have endorsed such fake accounts,' Netshiunda said. NOW READ: No Grade 13: Basic education department dismisses claims as fake news
Eyewitness News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Police ministry's budget approved but concerns linger over 'rot' in SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - The budget for the beleaguered police department was given the thumbs up by a majority of MPs in the National Assembly on Wednesday evening. The House is currently voting on the Appropriation Bill in the final stage of the budget process. Every department's budget must be approved for the Appropriation Bill to pass. ALSO READ: • Higher Education Dept's budget passed amidst fiery exchanges between political parties • National Assembly passes several dept budgets despite objections from most opposition parties • BOSA's Maimane wants Ramaphosa to mandate SIU to probe corruption claims within SAPS • Failure to finalise budget will hurt SA's vulnerable members of society the most - Masondo While MPs have agreed on the police budget, claims of corruption and rot in the SAPS ranks again took centre stage in the House. This follows explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that senior politicians had infiltrated top security structures and were colluding with drug cartels. The Democratic Alliance (DA)'s Ian Cameron: "The Democratic Alliance remains gravely concerned by the rot in parts of the senior South African Police Service ranks. South Africa's become a hotspot for organised crime, now ranked among the top three in Africa and in the top 10 in the world. We desperately need urgent intervention." While the MK Party also called for urgent intervention, MP David Skosana said that the party rejected the budget. "The allegations against Senzo Mchunu by General Mkhwanazi reflects the kind of rot that sits in the executive. As the MK Party, we want to reiterate that we cannot and do not allow General Mkhwanazi's bravery to fall victim to the manipulation of facts and cover-up by this administration."
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Parliament agrees to establish ad hoc committee into Mkhwanazi's allegations
There were no objections from any political parties and the committee was unanimously established. The National Assembly (NA) has unanimously agreed to establish an ad hoc committee into the explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding security matters that have implications for the country's national security. The joint committee meeting in Parliament between the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development took the decision on Wednesday. Ad hoc committee It also recommended that the committee should identify any legislative or policy failures that may have contributed to the policing crisis. The decision to establish an ad-hoc committee follows a directive from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza earlier this month asking the committees to come up with an appropriate approach to oversight concerning the allegations. The committees had considered other options, including conducting a full investigative inquiry under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act and exercising their conferring powers in terms of National Assembly Rule 169 — which dictates how committees can or must consult or meet with each other. ALSO READ: Police minister Mchunu 'now under criminal investigation' Oversight Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said following the committees' consideration of the matter, as part of their recommendations, they identified various issues arising from the allegations as falling within the NA's accountability and oversight function. 'The issues include the alleged unlawful decision by Minister Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the PKTT on the direction of the Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, the alleged moratorium by Minister Mchunu on filling vacancies within the Saps' Crime Intelligence Unit. 'It also includes whether Minister Mchunu misled Parliament about the nature of his relationship with Mr Brown Mogotsi, whether the award of a R360 million contract to Mr Matlala's company for the provision of healthcare services to Saps was irregular and the alleged interference by IDAC in police matters, including jurisdictional issues, among others,' Mothapo said. ANC Support ANC MP Mogodu Moela said the ANC supports the ad hoc committee and that Mkhwanazi's allegations 'cannot be left unexamined.' Moela said it 'paints a disturbing picture.' 'Parliament has the authority to get to the bottom of these claims. We cannot allow a culture of impunity to take root. We will not shield wrongdoing.' There were no objections from any political parties and the committee was unanimously established. Moela said the ANC will also support the judicial commission of inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa appoints Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister Final report The report, which will be submitted to the NA for consideration, also emphasised the need for the NA to ensure an expeditious process. The ad hoc committee would also sit and determine their terms of reference. The committees have recommended that the ad hoc committee process be concluded within 90 days from it being formed. Allegations Mkhwanazi alleged political interference in police operations, claiming that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya had meddled. These allegedly include issuing letters to disband a task force, halt crime intelligence appointments, and withdraw case dockets to Sibiya's office. Both Mchunu and Sibiya have been placed on a leave of absence. ALSO READ: Fake commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazis pop up online
Daily Maverick
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
SA's organised crime optics — suspicions blur lines between ‘gangsters', celebrities and flashy politicians
Shootings. High-profile figures in the entertainment industry. Politicians. Rogue cops. While there have always been rumoured links between these different arenas, South Africa's unprecedented policing scandal is adding substance to related suspicions. Politics, entertainment and shootings — these elements are part of South Africa's seismic policing scandal that keeps erupting with fresh developments and suspicions. While this saga emphasises just how fragmented the country's law enforcement arena is, it also highlights the proximity of certain politicians to individuals who have become the targets of shootings. This is not to suggest the politicians are in the wrong — they are not simply guilty by association. The overall situation, though, points to a blurring of lines between some public servants and people publicly known for reasons unrelated to the state. This reinforces ideas that political influence is seeping into various arenas. Or, more specifically, what's potting in some political offices is trickling into — and merging with — other spaces and even affecting street-level violence. Optics and organised crime There are optics associated with organised crime — and with politics. Prolific long-term lawbreakers may not flaunt their wealth. They know that discretion helps create hurdles in 'follow the money' investigative paths that lead to jail cells. Financially flamboyant criminals attract more scrutiny. They may not care though, especially if they feel they are above the law. Some organised crime suspects in South Africa flash their wealth — they use luxury cars reinforced against bullets. There are stories of Rolex watches discovered during arrests, and some individuals accused of crime enter courtroom docks in designer gear. Suspects can, based on material wealth, come across as celebrities. Now, just to be clear, people can spend their honestly earned personal money however they choose. This extends to politicians. In a South African context, though, politicians in decision-making positions who are wealthy — and who show it — inevitably draw scrutiny. This is because they are meant to be working to safeguard residents and improve the living conditions of the masses of people who are struggling to survive while up against factors including poor governance and state corruption. Some may therefore view it as crass when elements of politics edge towards celebrity-style realms and reality show-type grandeur. Outfits and opulence On 6 July 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a pivotal press conference during which he made astounding accusations that suggest that some of those in power are selling out South Africans. The optics of this briefing were notable, with some saying it created the impression of a coup. Mkhwanazi wore Special Task Force camouflage — he previously headed the unit — and was surrounded by armed police officers. While his attire was scrutinised and, in some instances, criticised, it may make some sense if what Mkhwanazi alleged is true. He said a drug cartel, headquartered in Gauteng and with ties to South America, was running a criminal syndicate that was embedded with corrupt state figures. It is common knowledge that international cartels are ruthless and murder those who get in their way. Mkhwanazi also alleged that at the end of last year the police minister at the time, Senzo Mchunu, issued a directive to disband the Political Killings Task Team to shield politically connected members of a criminal syndicate from prosecution. Mkhwanazi's other claims included that Mchunu was in cahoots with, among others, attempted murder case accused Vusi 'Cat' Matlala. Mchunu denied the accusations but was placed on leave. As for Matlala, central to the allegations against Mchunu, he seems to be someone who enjoyed an opulent lifestyle. According to News24, he had 'bankrolled a luxurious existence for himself and his family, marked by profligate spending on palatial homes, luxury cars and high-end fashion'. Matlala faces criminal accusations in connection with the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane, who was wounded in a Sandton shooting in October 2023. Other shootings of high-profile Gauteng figures fit into this broader matrix in which politicians keep cropping up. [WATCH] As the ANC, we do not think that the matters raised by General Mkhwanazi border on politics. We think the matters are so serious that they border on criminality #KhokhelaRamaphosa #ANCRenewalAtWork — ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 15, 2025 In reaction to Mkhwanazi's allegations, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, who was once the minister of police and who is nicknamed 'Razzmatazz' for his flashiness, took to the platform X. Before we get to what he posted on there, it is noteworthy that Mbalula's attire often gets attention. A few years ago, The Citizen even published a lifestyle piece about his 'best looks'. A section of that article referenced what it termed his 'rapper riche' outfits, saying: 'Keeping it young and trendy Mbalul[a] dabbles in loungewear, urban gear, and can often be seen in luxurious Gucci, wearing signature cardigans and embellished beanies. 'He's often spotted in hoodies and comfortable Gucci tracksuits.' Back to issues of national importance. Crime and politics Mbalula, in reaction to Mkhwanazi's recent accusations, posted on X on 15 July 2025: 'As the ANC, we do not think that the matters raised by General Mkhwanazi border on politics. We think the matters are so serious that they border on criminality.' There are obvious overlaps between politics and organised crime, and where they overlap, they are effectively one and the same. Take, for example, the State Capture that crushed the country when Jacob Zuma was president between 2009 and 2018 (when the ANC led South Africa before the Government of National Unity that is now in place). Mkhwanazi's recent accusations suggest the development of other iterations, or the continuation, of that capture. Mbalula, meanwhile, aside from talking about politics bordering on criminality, knew an individual Mkhwanazi referenced during his pivotal press conference — rapper Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA. In 2020 Mbalula appeared on a TV show that Forbes hosted. He was South Africa's transport minister at the time. Maybe I should start a TV App and calling it's MegaFIX TV ? I've now watched #TheBraaiShowon #AKATV Good job @akaworldwide thank you for the engagement – big ups to your precessional production team. — ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) June 11, 2020 Forbes, who was based in Gauteng, went on to be murdered in a shooting with his celebrity chef friend, Tebello Motsoane, in KwaZulu-Natal in February 2023. During his press conference earlier this month, Mkhwanazi pointed out that the police in KwaZulu-Natal had made arrests in that case, while suspects were yet to be taken into custody for other incidents involving high-profile individuals in Gauteng. Mkhwanazi said the suspects in those Gauteng cases had been identified, but prosecutors were basically dragging their feet in signing off on arrests. It appeared that among those Gauteng cases was one linked to Oupa John Sefoka, better known as DJ Sumbody, who was murdered there in a shooting in November 2022. DJ Sumbody's murder Sefoka's Instagram account is full of dazzling photographs. Think designer clothing, liquor and luxury cars. Through entertainment venues he had been associated with individuals including alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield, who was arrested at his home in the upmarket Cape Town suburb of Constantia in 2023. Sefoka's funeral was an elaborate one. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Djsumbodysa (@djsumbodysa) Among those who spoke at it was EFF leader Julius Malema, whose name is among those embroiled in the VBS bank scandal, and who faces accusations in connection with the alleged discharge of a firearm at a party event in 2018. Back to the Sefoka case. Arrests were only carried out recently, on 21 July 2025, three years after the shooting and only after Mkhwanazi's press conference during which he implied that certain prosecutors were holding up cases. Another politician crops up here. Firstly I believe Kenny 100%, I can't expect everyone to believe him hence we launching a full investigation to proof what we know already know which is that he is innocent. We will share the whole process and findings. — Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 22, 2025 News24 reported that when the police arrested Katiso Molefe, a key suspect in the Sefoka murder case, at his Sandton home, the Patriotic Alliance's Kenny Kunene was outside the house. Kunene, who has a well-documented past involving unrelated crime, insisted to News24 that he was merely accompanying a young journalist there and that he had no relationship with Molefe whatsoever. The Patriotic Alliance's Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, suspended Kunene the day his presence outside the suspect's home was reported on. McKenzie said this was simply to go through due processes as he believed that Kunene was innocent of any wrongdoing. Now, McKenzie has been open about his past that has involved crime and time in jail. He has before referred to his younger self as 'a common criminal' who became a gangster around the age of 12 or 13 years. As a minister, he has not shied away from that. Gang suspicions It is in this arena that a web of shootings (some with suspected links to gangs in the Western Cape) and court issues start unfurling. These predate, and now include, Sefoka's murder. Politicians' names, for various reasons and again not to suggest that they are in the wrong, are dotted in between. Former Hard Livings gang boss Rashied Staggie was murdered in Cape Town in 2019. Staggie had previously indicated he was backing McKenzie and Kunene's Patriotic Alliance. About a decade ago McKenzie had referred to Staggie as 'a leader'. In 2021 William 'Red' Stevens, widely reputed to have been the most senior 27s gangster, was killed in a shooting in Cape Town. At the time Stevens was facing criminal charges in connection with a murder plot. McKenzie spoke at his funeral. Alleged 28s gang boss Stanfield has several co-accused in the case he is currently charged in. Two of the co-accused face accusations in connection with Stevens' murder. Stanfield also faces charges for a murder conspiracy relating to Staggie's killing. He previously faced other housing tender-linked charges, that were provisionally withdrawn, alongside former DA Cape Town human settlements mayoral committee member, Malusi Booi. Stanfield was among those acquainted with Sefoka, who was murdered in the 2022 Gauteng shooting. It was Sefoka's funeral at which Malema spoke. On 21 July 2025, police officers happened upon Kunene outside the home of one of the suspects arrested in connection with Sefoka's murder. This web, even if the politicians mentioned in it are totally innocent of wrongdoing, is concerning because it is a tiny fragment of a much more expansive web. Mkhwanazi's recent accusations, while yet to be fully tested, highlight other parts of this web and suspected overlaps between organised crime and politics. So far, President Cyril Ramaphosa seems to have taken Mkhwanazi seriously — he has appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate his allegations. As for Malema and McKenzie, they are among politicians who have expressed support for Mkhwanazi (although McKenzie was one of those who viewed Mkhwanazi's press briefing attire as coup-esque). 'Politicians who must still go to prison' The two politicians have quite a past. McKenzie wrote an open letter to Malema back in 2014. A section said: 'Julius, you and I are not 'revolutionaries'. We both know that. We both shop at the same Louis Vuitton and Gucci shops. We both have watches worth hundreds of thousands… 'For people like us to call ourselves revolutionaries is an insult to history's real revolutionaries.' (For his part, at an unrelated event, Malema previously told journalists: 'I bought Louis Vuitton and Gucci before VBS… No one can tell me what to wear and not to wear.') McKenzie had also stated in the letter to Malema: 'You get two kinds of politicians in this country: the ones who come from prison and those who must still go to prison.' Mkhwanazi's recent accusations, paired with past State Capture allegations, now underscore some of McKenzie's words. There are undoubtedly politicians 'who must still go to prison'. Even if the intent behind Mkhwanazi's accusations against politicians and figures in the state is questionable, his allegations have at the very least brought focus onto an arena involving suspicions of rogue state and political activity in organised crime. These kinds of suspicions are not new. And they emphasise how criminality — from killings on street corners, to dirty money spending sprees and political skullduggery — cuts through vastly different sectors and endangers innocent residents. DM
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Celebrating the Legacy of Don Mkhwanazi: A Visionary Leader in Economic Transformation
Don Mkhwanazi was remembered at event for pioneering business initiatives and innovations Image: File Picture: Marilyn Barnard The Black Management Forum (BMF) gathered at the prestigious Durban Country Club on Tuesday to commemorate the legacy and impactful leadership of Don Mkhwanazi. This celebration brought together business stalwarts, professionals, and admirers to reflect on the life and contributions of a man hailed not only as a pioneer and visionary who significantly changed the landscape of economic transformation in South Africa. Lindani Nsibande, Simphiwe Nsibande and Lwazi Mkhwanazi Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The event was themed 'Driving Inclusive Prosperity: Lessons From Mkhwanazi's Bold Leadership for Transformation,' paid tribute to a man whose accomplishments were numerous. BMF President Mpho Motsei began proceedings by reflecting on the esteem in which Mkhwanazi was held, and appreciated his selfless service and unwavering commitment to uplifting fellow black professionals. 'Lectures come and go, but Don Mkhwanazi's will is hard to perish. There are plenty of stories to share about his dedication,' Motsei remarked, reinforcing the sentiment that the journey initiated by Mkhwanazi would extend beyond the celebration. Paul Nzimande, Dr. Nathi Nkwanyana and Bonga Yengwa Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Motsei said the BMF's recognition of Mkhwanazi was not merely ceremonial; but marked a significant milestone for the organisation. 'We represent an icon and a giant in the business fraternity. The Black Management Forum owes its existence to leaders like Don, who earned the father of BEE title,' he said. Mkhwanazi's influence has been pivotal in transforming the BMF from a professional networking group into a formidable advocacy platform focused on black empowerment and economic justice. Motsei described Mkhwanazi as pivotal in shaping the organisation's ideology and legacy, emphasising that 'under his guidance, BMF's core agenda moved beyond managerial representation to systems change, advocating for access to ownership and control of companies'. He mentioned that Mkhwanazi's foresight in conceptualising and promoting the notion of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) occurred long before it became government policy, was a testament to his visionary leadership. Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane and Mqondisi MQ Ngubane Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Brian Cebisa, Phumlani Mzila and Nathi Ngwenya Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Thomas Radebe and Nyikiwa Mavunda Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Londiwe Ndlovu, Bongulwazi Mavimbela, Luyanda Ngcobo and Rorisang Moabi Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Sharing heartfelt memories during the commemorative event, Prasheen Maharaj recounted his personal journey with Mkhwanazi, recalling how they transitioned from friends to business associates. Maharaj, the president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described Mkhwanazi as an innovator dedicated to inclusive economic transformation. 'He dreamt of economic transformation not just as a slogan but as a lived reality for all,' said Maharaj. Murangi Tsanwani, Lizalise Dingalibala, Prasheen Maharaj and Mpho Motsei Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Apart from pioneering BEE initiatives, Mkhwanazi founded the National Empowerment Trust in 1992 and was the chairperson of the anti apartheid debt committee that presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1997. His entrepreneurial ventures, such as Southern African Shipyards, generated headlines in December 2014 when awarded navy contracts worth R406 million, and earlier secured a R1.4 billion contract from Transnet to build tugboats. Don Mkhwanazi's extraordinary journey was universally recognised as a lighthouse of hope and direction, illuminating the path for future generations. He is survived by his wife, Zodwa Msimang, and five children, who continue to embody his values of courage, integrity, and impactful leadership. DAILY NEWS Thembalethu Shange, Siyethaba Nyawose, Zolile Msomi and Bawinile Gwala Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Phumi Blose and Khwezi Zulu Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
