Suspended Sergeant Accuses Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Of Brutal Interrogation In Kidnapping Probe

A suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant has levelled serious allegations against KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop, claiming he was tortured and unlawfully detained during a kidnapping investigation.

Samkeliso Mlotshwa delivered his testimony to Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Friday during public submissions examining complaints related to policing conduct.

Mlotshwa, who has served with the SAPS since 2006 and worked in the border policing unit at the Lebombo port of entry, also runs a private funeral parlour business.

He described what he called a disturbing series of events involving alleged abuse of authority, unlawful cross-border detention, torture and the destruction of his home by senior police officials.

Kidnapping Probe Sparks Arrest and Cross-Border Detention

The controversy stems from the kidnapping of businessman Zakariya Desai, who was abducted outside a mosque on 10 September 2024.

According to Mlotshwa, investigators from a multidisciplinary team in KwaZulu-Natal — including members of the Hawks and the provincial tracking team — identified him as a suspect in the case.

He told the committee that on 20 November 2024, officers arrived at his home while he was in Maputo, Mozambique. He claimed the police forced their way into the property without a search warrant and later set the house alight.

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Three days later, while in Maputo to repatriate a client’s remains through his funeral business, Mlotshwa said he was detained at a restaurant on allegations that he was in the country illegally.

He testified that officials confiscated his passport, personal belongings and even a temporary travel document issued by the South African Embassy.

By 28 November, he said he was moved from a police station in Maputo to the Lebombo border post where KwaZulu-Natal police took custody of him.

Mlotshwa described the process as an unlawful transfer across the border.

Sergeant Alleges Torture By Mkhwanazi at Private Farm

The situation intensified on 9 December 2024 while Mlotshwa and two Mozambican co-accused were being held in cells at KwaDukuza police station.

Despite having legal representation, he claimed the trio were taken from the station and transported to a private farm.

Mlotshwa told the committee that they were driven there in vehicles belonging to the kidnapping victim’s brother, who he alleged was cooperating with police during the operation.

At the farm, he said the suspects were stripped naked and subjected to suffocation using a plastic bag filled with water.

Mlotshwa testified that the provincial commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, later entered the room during the interrogation.

“I was told by the provincial commissioner to undress until I was naked. I was instructed by Mkhwanazi to squat before my co-accused’s private parts,” Mlotshwa told the committee.

He further alleged that the commissioner was present while officers continued the interrogation.

“I was told by the provincial commissioner that I should have committed suicide,” he said, adding that officers placed a plastic bag over his head until he almost lost consciousness.

R500,000 Confession Claim and Charges Dropped

Mlotshwa also alleged that he was offered R500,000 and assistance to repair his burnt home in exchange for providing a confession implicating his co-accused.

However, the case against him did not proceed.

In January 2025, prosecutors withdrew the charges against the suspended officer.

Despite the charges being dropped, Mlotshwa told the committee he remains suspended from the SAPS without pay.

During his testimony, he also criticised the response from national police leadership and oversight authorities.

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“It is disappointing and heartbreaking that the national commissioner and Ipid have dismally failed to act decisively where illegal rendition, torture, and arson have been committed,” he said.

“They need to account and be held responsible for their lack of action.”

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola are expected to appear before the committee to respond to the claims made during the hearing.