Top South African Police General Accuses Cabinet Minister of Gang Ties in Explosive Public Statement

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is known for standing up to his political bosses

A highly respected South African police officer has sent shockwaves through the government after publicly accusing a senior cabinet member of colluding with organized crime. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, police commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has ties to criminal gangs and deliberately disbanded an elite unit investigating political assassinations and drug cartels with deep roots in key state institutions.

In a dramatic live broadcast earlier this month, Gen Mkhwanazi stood flanked by masked officers armed with automatic weapons, dressed in combat uniform, and declared: “We are on combat mode. I am taking on the criminals directly.”

The general claimed that the disbanded task force had uncovered a powerful drug syndicate linked to the business community, the correctional services, the judiciary, and even the prosecution service. He alleged that 121 crucial investigation dockets are now gathering dust at the national police headquarters due to interference from Mchunu.

South Africans have come to Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's support following his explosive claims

The allegations come amid a nationwide crisis of public trust in law enforcement, with the Human Sciences Research Council reporting confidence in the police at a historic low of just 22%. South Africans have long expressed concerns over political interference, rampant corruption, and the state's failure to contain violent crime.

Minister Mchunu has dismissed the claims as "wild and baseless" but said he is prepared to respond to them. Nevertheless, public sentiment has overwhelmingly sided with Gen Mkhwanazi. The hashtag #HandsOffNhlanhlaMkhwanazi trended at the top of X, as citizens warned the government not to retaliate against the outspoken officer, who is widely viewed as an incorruptible figure in South Africa's embattled law enforcement sector.

Calvin Rafadi, a crime expert at the University of Johannesburg, described Gen Mkhwanazi as a "no-nonsense" officer who "takes the bull by the horns."

This isn’t Gen Mkhwanazi’s first clash with political superiors. In 2011, he gained national admiration as acting police commissioner when he suspended crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, a known ally of then-President Jacob Zuma. Despite immense pressure to protect Mdluli, Mkhwanazi went public with claims of political interference and was dismissed shortly thereafter. Mdluli was later convicted of kidnapping, assault, and intimidation—vindicating Mkhwanazi’s actions.

After years in relative obscurity, Mkhwanazi returned to prominence in 2018 when he was appointed provincial police commissioner by then-Police Minister Bheki Cele. One of his key mandates was to tackle politically motivated killings and corruption in KwaZulu-Natal, a province known for its high-stakes power struggles and competition for state tenders.

The Richard Mdluli saga shaped public opinion on Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in 2011

His recent press conference was prompted by the disbanding of the task force investigating political murders, which he linked directly to Minister Mchunu’s alleged efforts to protect a criminal-political syndicate. “I will die for this badge. I will not back down,” Mkhwanazi declared.

Despite his popularity, Gen Mkhwanazi has not been immune to controversy. He was investigated by the police watchdog for allegedly interfering in a case involving a senior correctional official. The case was dismissed last month, with opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) calling it a politically motivated attempt to derail an officer fighting crime and corruption.

His aggressive policing style has also faced criticism, especially concerning deadly force used by officers under his command. Still, analysts like Gareth Newham of the Institute for Security Studies say that South Africans are willing to overlook those issues in favor of having a visible and committed law enforcement figure.

With Minister Mchunu now removed from office, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration has appointed Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister. Cachalia, a law professor and former provincial safety minister, has acknowledged the gravity of Mkhwanazi’s public claims. In a recent TV interview, he described the general’s decision to go public as “highly unusual,” but added that if the allegations are proven true, they will be seen as justified.

Gen Mkhwanazi’s credibility is now on the line. Either he substantiates his allegations against the former police minister—or he risks his career and reputation. But for now, many South Africans see him as a courageous officer taking a stand against the deeply embedded corruption in the nation's security institutions.