A South African top security official has accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with crime syndicates, sparking public uproar. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, head of the police in KwaZulu-Natal, claimed that Mchunu and Sibiya interfered with sensitive police investigations and disbanded a crucial crime unit tasked with investigating politically motivated killings.
Mkhwanazi alleged that politicians, law enforcement, and businesspeople were being “controlled by drug cartels and businesspeople,” and claimed to have evidence supporting his claims, which he said would be made public later. Mchunu denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and stating, “The Minister of Police will never allow his integrity, that of the Ministry or the SAPS at large to be undermined by insinuations made without evidence or due processes, from anyone, including Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently attending a BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, said he would investigate Mkhwanazi’s allegations upon his return. Ramaphosa’s office described the matter as “a grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention,” adding that the trading of accusations between top police officials could undermine public confidence.
The African National Congress party, which leads the country’s unity government, expressed grave concern over the allegations and assured that Ramaphosa would attend to them. The Institute for Security Studies, an independent crime watchdog, called for a thorough probe into the accusations, warning that they could erode public confidence in South Africa’s police.
South Africa is grappling with police brutality cases, highlighting the need for reform and accountability within the police force. Several incidents have sparked widespread outrage, including: police minister accusation.
- Regan Naidoo’s Death: In 2018, Regan Naidoo died in police custody, leading to the trial of 18 officers accused of his murder. The trial has been postponed multiple times.
- Torture of Barber: Three police officers in Cape Town were accused of torturing a barber, Juma Igiranieza, during a raid in 2023. CCTV footage showed the officers assaulting Igiranieza.
- Assault on Off-Duty Soldiers: Eight police officers brutally assaulted two off-duty trainee soldiers on a Johannesburg highway and have since been suspended and charged with assault.
- Death of Luvuyo Vimba: A taxi driver died after a clash with police, prompting his family to call for a probe.
- Death of Bheki Nkisi: An Eastern Cape man died in police custody, with his family alleging torture.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) reports that Gauteng police have killed over 900 people since 2012. However, official statistics show that no Gauteng officers have been disciplined for violent offenses since 2016, raising concerns about police accountability. Torture methods like “tubing” (suffocation) are still used by police during interrogations, with an average of three people per week filing complaints between 2012 and 2023.
Experts and human rights organizations are pushing for greater accountability and transparency within the police force. Sonke Gender Justice has called for an overhaul of policing in South Africa, citing rampant use and abuse of guns by law enforcement officials.