KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says he's being targeted from within, and trade union Popcru also thinks so.
Image: Bongiwe Mchunu
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has entered the fray surrounding the investigation into Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in KwaZulu-Natal, firmly calling for state resources not to be misused to target him.
In the midst of South Africa's complex political landscape and internal strife within the South African Police Service (SAPS), Thulani Ngwenya, president of Popcru, denounced the exploitation of state resources for purposes inconsistent with law enforcement mandates.
"When you clip the wings of the criminal syndicates, you will inevitably provoke the forces you seek to dismantle. We cannot stand by while the integrity of our policing system is compromised," he asserted.
The allegations against Mkhwanazi have raised critical questions about the investigation's integrity, particularly regarding potential political or internal dynamics that may influence its outcome.
When asked about the fairness of the inquiry, Ngwenya responded cautiously yet pointedly.
"At this stage, we have no reason to suggest political interference; however, we are concerned about the public nature of the proceedings," he explained.
He highlighted the troubling inconsistency regarding the identity of the complainant, initially believed to be Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, but later described as an unnamed source.
"Due process must be followed with integrity and fairness," Ngwenya emphasised, calling for a thorough and confidential investigation.
Mkhwanazi has claimed he is being targeted for exposing corruption within Crime Intelligence, a serious allegation that Ngwenya acknowledged.
"Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi knows the protocols to follow when irregularities are uncovered, and we have consistently supported his efforts in crime-fighting in KwaZulu-Natal," he stated.
According to the union, Mkhwanazi's leadership has inspired confidence among officers, empowering them to take decisive action against crime and corruption.
As the situation develops, Ngwenya said that Popcru remains acutely aware of the potential impact on police morale nationwide.
"This is not merely a KwaZulu-Natal issue," he noted. "An unwarranted attack on the office of a Provincial Commissioner sends shockwaves throughout the policing fraternity."
He expressed concern that such controversies could create uncertainty among officers already grappling with difficult working conditions.
"Our members need to know that when they take a tough stance against crime, they will not be isolated or scapegoated," he argued.
Ngwenya reiterated Popcru’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of police officers, urging Ipid to conduct its duties impartially.
Veteran violence monitor Mary de Haas has also called for a fair investigation, suggesting that it should be managed at the national level.
"I have called repeatedly for an impartial investigation by a judicial body into SAPS management, including the national structures, because we know there’s friction among some top police officials," she stated.
De Haas believes that thorough investigations could help unveil issues plaguing the policing system.
Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi has maintained that he is being targeted by senior officers abusing state resources for personal gain, linking the investigation to corruption involving politicians misusing the SAPS Secret Fund, which is intended for intelligence operations.
The SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal has not yet responded to inquiries from IOL about the steps being taken to ensure a fair investigation, but the story will be updated when comment is received.
Commenting on the IPID probe, Ian Cameron, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, expressed skepticism about the motive of the investigation, suggesting potential political undertones.
"The timing is such that it is difficult for me to believe there isn’t another motive at play," he stated, also raising concerns about the internal politics of the police force, particularly with the impending selection of a new national police commissioner.
Popcru has also suggested that the Ipid probe is an attempt to undermine his position, especially given his firm stance on crime and his potential candidacy for the national commissioner role when General Fannie Masemola's term ends.
Mkhwanazi’s Journey and Challenges
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi has had a notable career within SAPS, rising through the ranks since joining the force in the 1990s to become the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal.
After his success in the policing, Mkhwanazi was appointed to various national roles within SAPS, including leadership positions in Crime Intelligence, where he was responsible for shaping national policing strategies.
However, he is increasingly facing significant challenges in a province notorious for high levels of violent crime, including political and gang violence that often intersect with political tensions.
His strategies aimed at crime reduction have focused on intelligence-led policing and community engagement, although persistent crime rates have led to public alarm over its ineffectiveness.
Despite his efforts, he has faced challenges related to resource constraints and internal politics, complicating the implementation of effective crime-fighting measures.
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