The ANC has pushed back against growing calls for the immediate arrest of senior officials and police generals following damning corruption allegations by former KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi’s bombshell testimony last week before a parliamentary committee alleged state-sponsored interference in police operations, political protection of criminal networks, and systemic sabotage of high-profile investigations involving current and former government and police officials.
At a Tuesday press briefing, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri dismissed demands for swift arrests as “reckless populism,” insisting on due process. “The ANC believes in accountability, but we won’t entertain trial by media where accusations become convictions before proper investigations,” she stated.
The party accused opposition groups of exploiting the claims for 2026 election gains. Bhengu-Motsiri warned against using the allegations to “undermine state institutions or launch factional witch-hunts,” referencing Mkhwanazi’s claims that SAPS leaders obstructed corruption and politically-linked murder cases while shielding criminals.
The revelations have sparked outrage among opposition parties and civil society. DA MP Andrew Whitfield declared, “If these allegations involved ordinary citizens, arrests would’ve happened already.” The EFF condemned the ANC’s response as a “elite crime cover-up,” demanding immediate suspensions of all implicated officials.
President Ramaphosa’s office confirmed the Hawks, SAPS leadership and Presidency are reviewing the allegations. While vowing to act on credible evidence, the administration noted parliamentary testimony alone doesn’t constitute courtroom evidence. The IPID has launched a preliminary probe and seeks Mkhwanazi’s full testimony record.
Legal experts caution against premature arrests. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela warned parliamentary testimony requires verification before warranting detentions. However, civil society groups like OUTA and Corruption Watch demand urgent action to maintain public trust.
“The people want prosecutions and police clean-ups, not more bureaucracy,” said OUTA’s Wayne Duvenage. With pressure mounting on Ramaphosa, all eyes now turn to the NPA and Hawks to determine whether Mkhwanazi’s claims will lead to concrete accountability or join South Africa’s long list of unresolved corruption scandals.