South Africans have taken to social media to demand swift action from President Cyril Ramaphosa after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made explosive allegations implicating senior police officials in corruption and political interference. The bombshell claims, made during a media briefing on Sunday, 6 July 2025, have rocked the nation and triggered calls for immediate investigations and accountability at the highest levels of government.
Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, of obstructing critical investigations by dismantling the Political Killings Task Team—an elite police unit formed to probe political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal. According to Mkhwanazi, Mchunu ordered the unilateral disbandment of the team and transferred 121 politically sensitive dockets to Sibiya’s office, where they have since been allegedly “neutralised.”
“These actions constitute political interference of the highest order and are a direct threat to the rule of law,” Mkhwanazi said during the briefing. “This kind of conduct undermines the entire South African Criminal Justice System.”
The revelations quickly went viral, sparking outrage across the country. Hashtags such as #HandsOffMkhwanazi, #JusticeForKZN, and #RamaphosaActNow began trending, as citizens demanded that the President act decisively to protect whistleblowers and ensure justice.
Responding from the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Ramaphosa issued a late-night statement on Sunday, acknowledging the seriousness of Mkhwanazi’s claims.
“This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention,” said Ramaphosa. “The integrity of our security services must be safeguarded, and the rule of law must prevail.”
Ramaphosa urged restraint from all parties involved, warning that the public trading of accusations and counter-accusations could “undermine public confidence and sow confusion.” He promised to outline a formal response and a set of actions to be taken once he returns to South Africa.
Mkhwanazi’s allegations have shone a spotlight on the work of the Political Killings Task Team, established in 2018 following a spike in political assassinations in the province. The unit was formed under an Inter-Ministerial Committee directive after Ramaphosa visited the family of ANC activist Musawenkosi Qashana Mchunu, who was gunned down in Plessislaer.
Since its formation, the task team has investigated 612 cases, resulting in 436 arrests and the recovery of 156 firearms—55 of which have been ballistically linked to politically motivated killings. Mkhwanazi also revealed that 35 police officers had been arrested for attempting to derail these investigations.
In 2024, the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit requested assistance from the team to probe a national crime syndicate. Mkhwanazi deployed 10 members to assist, and the investigation reportedly exposed a massive criminal enterprise involving politicians, law enforcement, prosecutors, members of the judiciary, and business figures—all allegedly linked to a powerful drug cartel.
“This syndicate has infiltrated state institutions and is undermining our constitutional democracy,” Mkhwanazi warned.
One of the most damning pieces of evidence cited by Mkhwanazi involves communications between Minister Mchunu and a controversial associate, Brown Mogotsi. While Mchunu denied knowing Mogotsi in Parliament, Mkhwanazi claims a phone recording—widely circulated on social media—proves otherwise. Additionally, messages found on a cellphone belonging to a suspect, Vusimuzi “@CAT” Matlala, allegedly show direct communication between Mchunu and Mogotsi.
Mchunu dismissed the claims in a statement, saying: “The recent allegations levelled against me by General Mkhwanazi have come to my attention. I encourage him to carry out his duties without fear and arrest anyone involved in criminal activities.”
Opposition parties were quick to react. The Democratic Alliance (DA) called for an urgent debate in Parliament, citing the gravity of the allegations. DA spokesperson on police, Ian Cameron, said, “We will never win the war on crime until SAPS is free from political interference. We demand an immediate investigation.”
The GOOD Party warned against a lengthy inquiry process. “We cannot afford another drawn-out commission while lives are lost. These explosive allegations warrant immediate action. Mkhwanazi must be protected as a whistleblower,” said party secretary-general Brett Herron.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party hailed Mkhwanazi for his bravery and demanded that criminal charges be laid against Mchunu and Sibiya within 24 hours. “This is not a political request—it is a legal obligation. If the evidence exists, arrests must follow immediately,” said MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
The African People’s Convention (APC) called for a parliamentary probe or a judicial commission of inquiry. “These allegations have far-reaching consequences and damage public trust in our justice system,” said APC spokesperson Freddy Mbendze.
Public frustration has spilled over online, with users accusing President Ramaphosa of turning a blind eye to corruption. One post on X by a user named Corruption Hater read: “We’ve lost confidence in your presidency. You protect criminals in your party. We don’t trust you anymore.”
Political analysts say the pressure is now squarely on Ramaphosa to act decisively. “The President faces a defining moment,” said political commentator Dr. Lindiwe Majola. “His response will either reaffirm his commitment to fighting corruption—or confirm fears that the rot runs too deep.”
As the country awaits Ramaphosa’s return from Brazil, all eyes are on the Presidency. Will there be an independent investigation? Will arrests follow? For now, South Africans are holding their breath—and demanding answers.
