Mchunu demands due process after Mkhwanazi’s public accusations spark institutional crisis in SAPS.
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| Nhlanhla Mkhwanzi &Senzo Mchunu image sabcnews & SG |
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly refuted explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, vowing disciplinary steps after what he described as an "irresponsible and baseless" attack on his integrity.
The confrontation stems from a dramatic Sunday morning media briefing held by Mkhwanazi in Durban, where the commissioner publicly accused unnamed senior officials later understood to include the Minister himself of interfering in police operations and potentially shielding politically connected individuals from arrest.
🔥 What Mkhwanazi Said[WATCH] KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on the arrest of the businessman Vusimuzi Matlala and the alleged relationship with the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. pic.twitter.com/X8eJe0XAfZ
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 6, 2025
During the briefing, Mkhwanazi expressed frustration over alleged political meddling in a high-profile 2023 case involving the arrest of a senior Correctional Services official in Richards Bay. He claimed that senior leaders within SAPS had attempted to undermine the investigation and suggested there was a broader effort to weaken the province's ability to fight organized crime and drug syndicates.
While Mkhwanazi stopped short of naming Mchunu outright, the implication was clear: that national leadership may have a hand in influencing operational decisions for political or personal reasons.
The commissioner also revealed that he had been informed about an ongoing IPID investigation targeting him a probe that he believed was part of a coordinated effort to tarnish his name for resisting unlawful orders.
🛑 Mchunu Fires Back
Just hours later, and visibly irate, Minister Mchunu addressed the claims while campaigning in Vryheid ahead of the 16 July by-elections. He firmly denied ever interfering in Mkhwanazi’s operations or lodging any complaint to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) the body now investigating Mkhwanazi.
“These wild and unverified claims are designed to mislead the public and discredit the office of the Minister,” Mchunu stated. “We do not run SAPS based on gossip or finger-pointing. If there are legitimate grievances, there are formal channels for addressing them.”
He accused Mkhwanazi of bypassing internal procedures and making reckless public statements that could destabilize the police service and create unnecessary public panic.
👁️ IPID's Role and the Backstory
At the heart of the tension is an IPID probe launched after an anonymous complaint suggested that Mkhwanazi obstructed the arrest of a suspected high-level drug and firearms dealer a Correctional Services official. Initially, IPID documentation claimed the complaint came from Mchunu, but this has since been retracted, with the watchdog body admitting to a clerical error.
Mchunu welcomed IPID’s clarification and reiterated his full support for oversight institutions while warning that any official, including Mkhwanazi, who breaches protocol or tarnishes SAPS through unverified claims, will face consequences.
🚨 Bigger Picture: Crime and Command
The clash reveals a deeper battle within the South African Police Service between national and provincial authorities, and between political leadership and operational command.
Mchunu reaffirmed his focus on tackling priority crimes, including:
- High murder rates in urban and rural hotspots
- The proliferation of illegal firearms
- Organized drug syndicates
- Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF)
- Rural stock theft, particularly in northern KZN
Addressing community members, izinduna (traditional leaders), and farmers, Mchunu stated:
“We need unity and trust between the police and the public. Internal divisions do not serve that mission.”
🧭 In Summary
Mkhwanazi accused high ranking officials of interference and warned of a smear campaign via IPID.
Mchunu rejected the claims outright, stating he never filed any complaint and promising disciplinary review.
IPID admitted an error in attributing the complaint to Mchunu, but its investigation into Mkhwanazi continues.
The stakes are high as this power struggle unfolds ahead of critical elections and amid rising crime.
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