National Police Commissioner, Fanie Masemola says KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s security has been increased following threats against him. This comes after explosive allegations over the weekend by Mkhwanazi, that the SAPS has been infiltrated by crime syndicates.
Masemola was speaking in a virtual media briefing during the police firearms destruction operation in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal on Wednesday.
Tensions within SAPS leadership have intensified after Sunday’s briefing by Mkhwanazi.
On Wednesday, Masemola confirmed that the KZN commissioner’s life is under threat.
Masemola says he will not victimise Mkwhanazi after the tell-all briefing.
“In terms of physical protection, he has been getting threats to his life in that province. We have beefed up security, but he won’t be persecuted from my side. Surely, there will be no persecution of any member of the South African Police Service, not only him, but anyone,” says Masemola.
Masemola says Mkhwanazi’s claims are impacting public trust in the South African Police Service.
“Let me unequivocally say the current state of affairs is unprecedented and it is concerning. It requires uncompromised intervention to restore public trust and stability in the organization,” Masemola added.
While Masemola cannot comment further on Mkhwanazi’s allegations until he has briefed President Cyril Ramaphosa, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has been implicated by Mkhwanazi for allegedly having links with alleged criminal mastermind Vusi ” Cat” Matlala, has denied any relationship with the controversial businessman, who’s currently awaiting trial at the Kgosi Mampuru Prison.
Ministerial Spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi says Minister Mchunu does not even know Matlala.
“In response to the recent allegations made by Provincial Commissioner Mkhwanazi, and while respecting the president’s call for calm, the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu feels it is important to clarify the following; the minister has never met Mr Matlala, has never spoken to him, nor has the minister ever requested or received anything from him,” says Mogotsi.
Video: Mkhwanazi Accusations | Police Minister responds to Mkhwanazi allegations
Mkhwanazi’s allegations have once again brought concerns around the integrity of the very institution tasked with protecting the nation under the spotlight.
Crime intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo is currently on bail after being arrested for fraud and corruption last month.
Western Cape Hawks Head, Solomon Makgato, will now act in Khumalo’s position pending investigations.
Video: SAPS National Commissioner comments on Mkhwanazi’s allegations during briefing
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