DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has accused senior government officials of interfering with police investigations into political killings, alleging that a specialised task team was deliberately shut down to protect influential figures.
Mkhwanazi, speaking during a media briefing, said the disbanded team had been investigating 212 politically linked murder cases since 2018, some of which implicated members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). He claimed that Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, acting on instructions from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, dissolved the unit without consulting him or the national commissioner.
The commissioner said the task team had gathered evidence that connected firearms to high-profile murders in multiple provinces, including the killing of a Johannesburg-based musician. He believes the work of the investigators was derailed because it began exposing organised criminal networks tied to senior political figures.
Mkhwanazi further alleged that classified police files were sent to him via WhatsApp by a man identified as Brown Mokgotsi, who he described as a drug dealer and close associate of Minister Mchunu. He said Mokgotsi has no official role in SAPS but had access to sensitive information. Mchunu, according to Mkhwanazi, initially denied knowing him.
“I made a decision to confront this,” said Mkhwanazi. “If it means I’m suspended, arrested, or even killed, I’m ready for that. I joined this service knowing the risks. I will die for this badge.”
The disbanded task team was also handling cases linked to murders at Fort Hare University, a matter which remains unresolved. Mkhwanazi said the dismantling of the unit had more to do with shielding certain individuals from prosecution than operational concerns.
Chair of the Police Portfolio Committee, Ian Cameron, said the commissioner had taken a bold stance by speaking out against what he called internal sabotage.
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