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Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
The dangerous allure of Mkhwanazi's state collapse narrative
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. (@SAPoliceService/X) he essence of politics lies in the conquest of hearts and minds, achieved by whatever means prove necessary. While numerous strategies exist to accomplish this, one particularly intriguing tactic is the notion of political martyrdom. This is the deliberate projection of ethics, sacrifice and altruism, even at the expense of one's own self-preservation, to sway public sentiment so profoundly that it compels audiences to overlook even the most dubious subtexts beneath such displays. Let me preface this by stating unequivocally that I do not, in any way, accuse the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner of employing such a strategy. It may well be that his seismic revelations of corruption were motivated solely by an unwavering devotion to this nation and its people. But, what must be plainly understood in politics is the old axiom: where there is smoke, there is fire. One cannot simply disregard the events that unfolded during Mkhwanazi's press conference, nor those that followed in its wake. Let us examine some of the signs that warrant scrutiny. The press conference, in retrospect, employed symbolic imagery reminiscent of a classic coup d'état. For reasons unknown to the public, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi appeared in paramilitary attire, flanked by fellow officers similarly dressed, with some conspicuously masked in balaclavas. Beyond the seismic corruption revelations he delivered, the subtext of his message was unmistakable: the state, including both the executive and the judiciary, could not be trusted. While Chief Justice Mandisa Maya issued a forceful rebuke of Mkhwanazi's claims, the executive's leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, adopted a weaker response — authorising a commission of inquiry and suspending the implicated police minister, Senzo Mchunu. Ramaphosa's reaction served to reinforce, at least in the public eye, Mkhwanazi's underlying narrative: that the state is inherently untrustworthy. Consequently, we have witnessed crowds mobilising in Johannesburg and Durban under the slogan 'Hands Off Mkhwanazi' (a classic hallmark of martyrdom politics) rallying behind the narrative of institutional distrust. This phenomenon is unprecedented in South Africa; even during the Zuma era, protests were directed at the man himself ('Zuma Must Fall'), not the state as an entity. What distinguishes Mkhwanazi's movement is its implicit assertion that the system itself is diseased and must be dismantled. That, to my mind, is the perilous blaze beneath the smoke, one we would do well to observe with vigilance. As committed democrats and South African patriots, we must subject Mkhwanazi's narrative to rigorous scrutiny. While none can deny the pervasiveness of corruption within certain state institutions, it would be intellectually dishonest to assert our entire state system has collapsed beneath its burden. Consider the judiciary, which steadfastly remains resilient. Civil society endures as a necessary watchdog, unearthing graft and malfeasance. The rule of law, though tested, persists, compelling even the most wayward politicians and business actors to tread cautiously, as though haunted by its spectre. Our democracy stands intact; the imperative is not demolition, but course-correction — reforming the state to perfect our system, not destroy it. We must guard vigilantly against justifying necessary reforms through narratives of total state collapse. In a nation already exhibiting troubling symptoms of mass discontent — with security vacuums, widespread disillusionment and entrenched deprivation — this rhetoric risks becoming the very kindling for violent insurrection. Is this truly our desired outcome? I submit this question for sober reflection. Siseko Maposa is the director of Surgetower Associates Management Consultancy. The views expressed are his own opinion.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Number of SAPS trainee applications for 5,500 posts top 900,000
As the closing date approaches, the number of police trainee applications has surpassed 900,000. The SA Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that its Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) application window will close in less than 24 hours. After the deadline, no further applications will be accepted. The SAPS received more than 67,774 applications within the first 24 hours of opening the application window. Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said by Thursday, they had received more than 927,000 applications. She said female applicants continue to lead in terms of numbers, with 527,673 young women having submitted applications so far. Male applicants have submitted 400,204 applications thus far. 'Gauteng has brought in the most number of applications with more than 240,000, followed by KZN with more than 179,000. Limpopo is sitting at more than 102,000, with the Eastern Cape at more than 93,000 and Mpumalanga at more than 89,000. The Western Cape is sitting at number six in terms of the most applications received with more than 76,000, followed by the Free State with more than 64,000. North West is second last with more than 57,000 applications and the Northern Cape with more than 22,000 bringing in the least number of applications ,' Mathe said. She said 261,255 applicants have valid drivers' licences. 'It should be noted that not everyone will make it to the selection process due to limited space availability on the training programme with only 5,500 spaces available,' she said. She said successful candidates would be called to undergo various assessments, including psychometric and integrity, physical and medical evaluations and interviews.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Friday deadline for SAPS recruitment drive
There are only four days left before the closing of the SA Police Service recruitment drive. Aspiring police officers have until Friday, 18 July to submit their applications for the training programme. While the police service aims to recruit 5 500 aspiring police officers, it received more than 67 000 applications for the Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP) in the first 24 hours of its opening. The e-recruitment drive to join the police ranks was officially launched on 30 June. 'The SAPS is utilising an electronic recruitment system, through which youth from all walks of life can submit their applications to be considered for the entry-level police trainee posts. 'The shift to a digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications. 'It will also enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and speed of the recruitment process,' said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. The recruitment process is open to young men and women aged 18 to 35 who want to join as police trainees for the 2025/26 financial year. 'Qualifying young men and women without criminal records or pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply by visiting then select the e-Recruitment portal from the drop-down menu,' said Mathe. Applicants will be subjected to a rigorous selection process, which includes psychometric, integrity, physical fitness assessments and fingerprint/vetting screening, as well as medical evaluations. Successful recruits will undergo nine month-long training at the SAPS training academies nationwide and receive a monthly stipend of R4 500. #sapsHQ 4 Days Left – #PoliceTrainees Vacancies Do not miss the opportunity to serve your community and start a meaningful career in law enforcement. The SAPS is hiring young men and women aged 18 to 35 to join as police trainees for the 2025/2026 financial year. Closing date: 18… — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 15, 2025 Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Star
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ramaphosa establishes commission of inquiry to investigate serious claims by top cop Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate serious corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 'These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption,' Ramaphosa said. Ramaphosa's address, delayed by 30 minutes, came a week after Mkhwanazi publicly accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in criminal investigations and protecting corrupt networks within law enforcement. Ramaphosa emphasised the need to safeguard the integrity of law enforcement as South Africans grapple with rising crime, including kidnappings, gender-based violence, and gang activity. Ramaphosa appointed Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead the inquiry, assisted by senior counsels Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo. He said the commission will investigate claims that criminal networks have infiltrated law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and other elements of the justice system. Areas of focus include the facilitation of organised crime, manipulation of investigations, and targeting of whistleblowers and officials. Ramaphosa said the commission will also investigate the possible involvement of current or former senior officials across SA Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, and metro police departments in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal in March, effectively shutting down 121 active dockets, many linked to politically motivated murders. He also claimed that investigations had exposed links between criminal syndicates and politicians, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, members of the judiciary, and businesspeople. Mkhwanazi, during his media briefing last week, presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records that he said demonstrated coordinated efforts to dismantle the KZN task team. He implicated Mchunu's 'comrade' Brown Mogotsi in communicating with businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who had received a R360 million SAPS contract that has since been canceled. According to Mkhwanazi, the disbandment was 'a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.'
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
President Ramaphosa establishes commission to investigate serious police corruption claims by Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a judicial inquiry into alleged corruption within the police and justice system. Image: Supplied/GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate serious corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 'These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption,' Ramaphosa said. Ramaphosa's address, delayed by 30 minutes, came a week after Mkhwanazi publicly accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in criminal investigations and protecting corrupt networks within law enforcement. Ramaphosa emphasised the need to safeguard the integrity of law enforcement as South Africans grapple with rising crime, including kidnappings, gender-based violence, and gang activity. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ramaphosa appointed Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead the inquiry, assisted by senior counsels Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo. He said the commission will investigate claims that criminal networks have infiltrated law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and other elements of the justice system. Areas of focus include the facilitation of organised crime, manipulation of investigations, and targeting of whistleblowers and officials. Ramaphosa said the commission will also investigate the possible involvement of current or former senior officials across SA Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, and metro police departments in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Mkhwanazi's allegations Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal in March, effectively shutting down 121 active dockets, many linked to politically motivated murders. He also claimed that investigations had exposed links between criminal syndicates and politicians, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, members of the judiciary, and businesspeople. Mkhwanazi, during his media briefing last week, presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records that he said demonstrated coordinated efforts to dismantle the KZN task team. He implicated Mchunu's 'comrade' Brown Mogotsi in communicating with businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who had received a R360 million SAPS contract that has since been canceled. According to Mkhwanazi, the disbandment was 'a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics.' The work of the Commission Ramaphosa said, that once established, the Commission would consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies. "Where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations," he said. "The Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover," Ramaphosa said. "It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness." The Commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the Ramaphosa, he said, adding that interim reports were expected after three and six months, respectively. He said the final report of the Commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice. The commission will assess the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and recommend criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions, and institutional reforms. Ramaphosa said interim reports will be submitted after three and six months, with a final report due thereafter. Madlanga, who retires from the Constitutional Court at the end of July, will be able to dedicate his full attention to the inquiry, Ramaphosa said. In the interim, Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Cachalia, currently a law professor and chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, will take up the post officially in August. An acting minister from within the Cabinet will serve until then. Ramaphosa said the commission is part of broader efforts to rebuild law enforcement and restore public trust. IOL Politics
