IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa has raised urgent concerns about South Africa’s political violence crisis following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police chief Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims political interference is obstructing murder investigations in the province.
Hlabisa warned these revelations expose a justice system failing victims of political killings, particularly in KZN where dozens of activists, party members and councillors have been murdered in recent years. “These aren’t ordinary crimes – they strike at the heart of our democracy,” Hlabisa stated during a Sunday press briefing.
The IFP leader painted a grim picture of unresolved cases, saying: “For many families, the truth remains buried alongside their loved ones. The silence from those meant to protect our democracy is deafening.” He demanded President Ramaphosa immediately establish an independent probe into both the alleged political meddling and systemic failures in solving these murders.
[WATCH] IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa says Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's allegations are deeply concerning. He says SA's still grappling with many unresolved political killings, leaving many families without answers or closure. @nobuhlemodise reports.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/08ZxcDPPnY
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 21, 2025
Hlabisa called for Parliament’s Police Committee to summon Mkhwanazi to testify under oath, stressing: “Accountability isn’t optional – we must root out this corruption whether it sits inside or outside government.” His demands revive findings from the Moerane Commission, which previously identified police failures, corruption and intra-party conflicts as key drivers of KZN’s political assassinations.
With local elections approaching in 2026, the IFP president warned that inaction could devastate public trust: “Every delayed investigation is a democracy denied. We cannot let political murder become South Africa’s permanent stain.” The statement comes as the province remains a hotspot for political violence, with recent killings of ANC and IFP local councillors underscoring the ongoing crisis.