Security at Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's home beefed up amid explosive allegations
General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, has heightened security at his residence.
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Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, has increased security outside his house. This was confirmed by National police commissioners General Fannie Masemola, during a briefing on Wednesday.
Provincial police commissioners (appointed under section 207 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996) typically have security protection that falls under the mandate of the VIP Protection Unit (VIPPU) of the SAPS, which safeguards high‑risk officials.
This increase in security comes after Mkhwanazi dropped explosive allegations against officials in high echelons of government. Numerous whistleblowers have been assassinated after attempting to blow the lid off corruption from high-ranking officials.
Mkhwanazi claimed that these officials interfered with police operations, including disbanding a task force investigating political killings.
At the briefing, Mkhwanazi said this was done without the authority of the National Commissioner.
"I, as a Provincial Commissioner, was ever informed," Mkhwanazi said.
Mkhwanazi received support from a number of political parties. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) advocated the formation of an Independent Commission of Inquiry, led by a retired judge, to properly probe Mkhwanazi's serious claims.
"The IFP further calls for Minister Mchunu to be placed on special leave until such time that the Independent Commission of Inquiry has concluded its work and presented its findings," said the party in a statement.
These sentiments were echoed by Build One South Africa (BOSA). "The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, can no longer remain silent or offer vague reassurances. South Africans deserve to know what is being done to root out this corruption and protect the public from the consequences of a captured state."
However, Mchunu denied allegations of political interference in the work of the police.
"I was made aware of today’s media briefing called by Mkhwanazi, making a number of wild allegations and claims on a variety of issues...All these statements made by him in public require an urgent, thorough and transparent investigation, on a proper platform," Mchunu said.
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