Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the provincial police commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, has been accused of running unauthorised investigations into politically sensitive cases. The claims were made by Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who raised concerns about a lack of coordination and accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Sibiya, Mkhwanazi launched parallel investigations into cases that were previously handled by a now-disbanded national task team focused on political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. He made these claims during a recent internal briefing, stating that Mkhwanazi’s actions may have undermined national efforts by removing oversight and reassigning investigators without approval.
These cases involve high-profile political killings that have remained unresolved for years. Sibiya warned that such independent moves weaken the integrity of SAPS command structures and cast doubt on the credibility of the investigations.
The national task team in question was shut down earlier this year after facing criticism for slow progress and alleged internal sabotage. Sibiya believes that national investigative units should continue handling these sensitive cases to ensure fairness and consistency.
Sources close to the matter say Mkhwanazi defended his actions, arguing that delays at the national level forced the province to step in. He reportedly claimed that the provincial office has the legal right to act when justice for victims is being delayed.
In response to the growing tensions, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is reportedly considering launching a formal investigation into how these dockets have been managed and the conduct of both Sibiya and Mkhwanazi.
Civil society organisations have expressed concern about deepening divisions within SAPS leadership. Thokozani Ndaba from the Justice for Victims Campaign said the families of victims are still waiting for justice while internal disputes continue.
Over 40 political figures have been killed in KwaZulu-Natal since 2021. As the province remains a hotspot for politically motivated violence, the dispute between the two senior officers adds pressure on national police management to restore order and ensure progress in solving these cases.
