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Police Minister denies involvement in KZN commissioner investigation
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has firmly denied lodging any complaint against KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is currently under investigation for allegedly interfering in the arrest of a senior Correctional Services official in Richards Bay in 2023.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which is conducting the investigation, clarified that the probe was initiated due to an anonymous complaint from the public—not at the minister’s request.
IPID Clarifies Mistake in Investigation Letter
On Sunday night, IPID released a statement confirming that it had asked Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi to submit a sworn statement by March 19, 2025, regarding the allegations against him.
However, the police watchdog also admitted an error in an earlier letter, which incorrectly stated that Minister Mchunu had requested the investigation.
“This investigation is as a result of an anonymous complaint from the public,” IPID clarified.
The correction was necessary after the misleading claim in the letter led to speculation about possible political interference in the case.
Mchunu Fully Supports SAPS Leadership
Addressing the matter on Monday, Minister Mchunu reiterated his full support for Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi and all provincial police commissioners working to combat crime.
“I do want to repeat that I have not laid any complaint against Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi,” he stated.
He emphasized that the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains committed to effective and efficient law enforcement and that all Provincial Commissioners are working tirelessly to ensure public safety.
“Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi, like all the other Provincial Commissioners, is working hard in the fight against crime in KwaZulu-Natal, and that is duly recognised by the Ministry of Police.”
IPID Assures Independent Investigation
Minister Mchunu also reaffirmed that IPID operates as an independent oversight body, free from political interference.
“As an independent and impartial oversight body, IPID conducts its investigations without external influence, and its decisions regarding cases under its jurisdiction are made independently.”
He stressed that the Ministry of Police supports all lawful investigations and remains committed to strengthening mechanisms to fight crime across the country.
Allegations Against Mkhwanazi: What We Know
While IPID has not disclosed specific details of the alleged interference by Mkhwanazi, the investigation aims to determine whether he obstructed the arrest process of a senior Correctional Services official in Richards Bay last year.
Key Questions the Investigation Seeks to Answer:
Did Mkhwanazi use his position to prevent or delay the official’s arrest?
Was there any abuse of power or violation of police protocols?
Did he act on his own or under instruction from higher authorities?
Will the investigation lead to disciplinary action or criminal charges?
At this stage, no formal charges have been brought against Mkhwanazi, and the outcome will depend on IPID’s findings.
Broader Context: SAPS Under Scrutiny
The investigation into Mkhwanazi comes at a time when South Africa’s police leadership is under increasing scrutiny.
In recent years, SAPS has faced multiple high-profile controversies, including corruption, political interference, and leadership instability.
Notable Police Leadership Controversies:
Richard Mdluli – Former Crime Intelligence boss convicted of kidnapping and assault.
With this backdrop, the Mkhwanazi investigation is being closely monitored to see whether it exposes further governance issues within SAPS.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is still in its early stages, and the following steps will unfold:
Mkhwanazi must submit his sworn statement by March 19, 2025.
IPID will continue its probe, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
If evidence of wrongdoing is found, Mkhwanazi may face disciplinary action or legal proceedings.
If no wrongdoing is found, the case will be closed with no further action.
Conclusion
While Minister Senzo Mchunu has distanced himself from the investigation, IPID remains committed to conducting a fair and independent probe into the allegations against Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi.
With trust in SAPS leadership on the line, the outcome of this case could significantly impact public confidence in police accountability and governance in South Africa.