SAPS Secret Funds Used For Nathi Mthethwa’s Home Renovation, Says Mkhwanazi

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has told Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence division allegedly used secret funds for unauthorised home renovations.

During the committee’s first hearing on 7 October, which follows Mkhwanazi’s allegations made on 6 July, he revealed that secret state money was used to construct a perimeter wall at the residence of the late former Police Minister and South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.

“In 2011, we’re experiencing all these things, members from Crime Intelligence take the money out of Crime Intelligence to use it to take control of the executive authority,” Mkhwanazi stated.

He told Parliament that Mthethwa had never requested the wall, but certain Crime Intelligence members allegedly used the funds to gain influence over the then-minister.

Auditor-General Cleared Mthethwa of Wrongdoing

The allegations surrounding the wall first surfaced in 2012, when the Auditor-General of South Africa, Terence Nombembe, confirmed that the wall had indeed been built using secret service funds. However, Nombembe cleared Mthethwa of any misconduct.

“There is no evidence that indicates that the minister knew that the wall was being erected using secret service funds,” Nombembe said at the time.

He added that there was also no evidence Mthethwa had instructed any risk assessment or had been involved in the process. Despite the findings, Mkhwanazi insists no one was ever held accountable, even though internal reports existed.

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The police boss further alleged that the Crime Intelligence unit had long been involved in questionable leasing practices, with some members personally profiting.

“In government, in general, the lease of a facility is a Public Works responsibility, but Crime Intelligence has been leasing buildings from as far back as I [could] remember, and there have never been issues [about] that,” he said, adding that some within the unit allegedly leased out their own properties for profit.

He urged that proper accountability measures be implemented and that action be taken against those found guilty of wrongdoing.

Mkhwanazi Challenges Researcher Over Political Killings Task Team

Addressing a separate issue, Mkhwanazi responded to a letter from Professor Mary de Haas, who accused the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) of failing to deliver justice for victims of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal.

De Haas alleged that the task team’s true role was to shield perpetrators, including tenderpreneurs and taxi bosses linked to politicians.

Mkhwanazi questioned de Haas’s competence, saying, “I could do a better job than her,” and criticised Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu for disbanding the PKTT based on her complaint.

He described Mchunu’s decision as poor leadership, claiming the minister ignored executive members and instead took direction from someone outside the police institution.

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