An old interview of activist Xolani Khumalo exposing police corruption has gone viral again, sparking fresh debate about misconduct in the South African Police Service (SAPS). The clip’s resurgence comes as General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s recent allegations against top police officials intensify scrutiny of the force.
In the interview, originally aired on *The Drive Thru* radio show, Khumalo details disturbing encounters with corrupt officers—from bribery to tip-offs for criminals. His claims have struck a nerve, with thousands sharing similar experiences online under trending hashtags demanding SAPS reform.
“The police who should protect us are often enabling crime,” Khumalo said. “Communities are left defenseless.”
His words gain weight as General Mkhwanazi publicly accuses Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of obstructing anti-corruption efforts. The general alleges high-level interference in sensitive cases, echoing long-standing complaints about systemic rot in SAPS.
Xolani has told us long time ago that when they are doing drug busting; some officials will call the brigadier to stand down on such busting. We just had a hope that what was been said was baseless because we never thought we can have such malicious allegations levelled against… pic.twitter.com/Xm0MpWIn17
— Commissioner General Mkhwanazi (@GeneralMkhwanaz) July 7, 2025
Public reaction has been fierce. Social media is flooded with accounts of officers demanding bribes, ignoring cases, or colluding with criminals. Civil society groups now push for an independent probe, warning that government inaction could destroy trust in law enforcement.
“The SAPS stands at a crossroads,” says analyst Thabo Mokoena. “Without transparent action, faith in policing will collapse.”
While SAPS acknowledges the allegations, no formal investigation has been launched. Critics argue delays signal tolerance for corruption. Many demand concrete reforms—body cameras, stronger whistleblower protections, and independent oversight.
Khumalo’s resurfaced interview and Mkhwanazi’s bombshell claims highlight a crisis years in the making. For ordinary South Africans, the message is clear: piecemeal fixes won’t suffice. Only systemic change can restore trust in a broken system.