A leaked phone recording, allegedly featuring KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has caused a political uproar in South Africa. The audio suggests a plot to arrest EFF leader Julius Malema and raises concerns about political interference in police operations. The recording, which appeared on social media and encrypted platforms on July 8, 2025, seems to support claims Mkhwanazi made during a recent press conference where he accused high-ranking officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of meddling in SAPS affairs.
In the unverified recording, a voice said to be Mkhwanazi states that there was pressure to arrest Malema before an EFF rally—a claim Malema himself had previously made. “He [Malema] said at the rally he was going to be arrested… and it’s true,” the voice says, adding, “I said no. I don’t do politics.” The audio also implies that senior officials used backdoor channels to influence police actions, potentially obstructing investigations by the Political Killings Task Team.
Malema responded on social media, calling the leak proof of the government’s alleged misuse of state power against opposition leaders. “They fear the truth,” he wrote, demanding police independence. Political analyst Dr. Ongama Mtimka said the recording, if verified, reveals serious political interference in law enforcement.
😳😳😳😳here is the telephone conversation that Mkhwanazi was speaking about.
You will be shocked after listening he also speaks about @Julius_S_Malema about speaking on the rally about him saying he was about to be arrested 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/U1nk7CWZVk
— Welcome Ntila (@Razor896) July 9, 2025
The leak has led to growing calls for a presidential investigation, with human rights groups and activists urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene. Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi’s security has been increased following threats, and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has defended his right to speak out, denying reports of disciplinary action. The scandal has further eroded public trust in SAPS, with demands for accountability growing stronger.