Police Department Stands By KZN Commissioner Amid Investigation

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has shown strong support for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi  faces an investigation into allegations of interfering with the arrest of a senior Correctional Services official in Richards Bay in 2023.

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The investigation, led by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), has sparked considerable debate across political and civil circles, with both supporters and detractors voicing strong opinions.

National police spokesperson Major-General Nonkululeko Phokane reiterated the SAPS’s commitment to serving and protecting the public, stating that Mkhwanazi continues to receive full backing from police management.

Phokane, however, declined to answer questions regarding the investigation, including whether Mkhwanazi had submitted the sworn statement requested by IPID.

IPID’s Investigation Sparks Controversy

The IPID’s announcement that it is investigating Mkhwanazi’s involvement in the controversial Richards Bay arrest has raised questions, with some suggesting political motives behind the move.

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The investigation is said to focus on claims that Mkhwanazi interfered with the arrest of former Westville Maximum Prison head Nelly Ndlovu, who faced allegations of running a drug cartel within the prison system.

The investigation also touches on allegations of police heavy-handedness in dealing with crime suspects.

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed the ongoing investigation but declined to engage further until it is concluded.

She assured the public that Mkhwanazi was cooperating with the process and was determined to continue leading the fight against crime in the province.

Meanwhile, some IPID investigators have reportedly been instructed to “lie low” as the inquiry progresses.

Political Backlash And EFF Support

Political leaders, including Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron, have raised concerns about the timing of the IPID’s investigation.

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Cameron pointed out that the investigation followed closely after Mkhwanazi made a public statement about political interference in policing.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has been particularly vocal in supporting Mkhwanazi, calling the investigation malicious and politically motivated.

In a statement, the EFF accused those behind the investigation of trying to undermine Mkhwanazi’s strong stance against crime.

The party argued that his aggressive tactics, particularly his “shoot to kill” approach, have been pivotal in dismantling criminal networks in one of South Africa’s most violent provinces.

The EFF also criticized the claims of drug-peddling cover-ups, labeling them as baseless attempts to discredit the police commissioner.

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