Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo has disclosed that former acting national police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was forced out of office under political pressure rather than stepping down voluntarily.
Khumalo, speaking to senior officers, said Mkhwanazi’s firm stance against corruption and political meddling cost him his position. Appointed in 2011 after the suspension of then-national commissioner Bheki Cele, Mkhwanazi quickly earned a reputation as a tough disciplinarian determined to restore accountability in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“He was not removed because of incompetence,” Khumalo explained. “He was pushed out because he refused to bend to political interference and resisted unlawful instructions that would have compromised the service.”
According to Khumalo, Mkhwanazi clashed with senior officials over procurement and operational decisions, particularly irregular contracts and questionable appointments. His insistence on transparency unsettled powerful figures who benefitted from the system.
Civil society and police unions at the time condemned his removal, describing it as a setback for SAPS reform. Despite criticism of his sometimes abrasive leadership style, Mkhwanazi was widely respected for bringing discipline to an institution plagued by scandals and inefficiency.
Khumalo’s revelation comes amid renewed scrutiny of SAPS, which continues to face accusations of corruption, poor crime-fighting strategies, and eroded public trust. Analysts believe his remarks underscore the damaging role of political interference in weakening police leadership.
Neither Mkhwanazi nor the police ministry has issued a formal response, but insiders suggest the claims could revive debates about past leadership battles and their lasting impact on policing.
Khumalo urged current leaders to take lessons from Mkhwanazi’s experience. “True policing must serve the people, not politicians,” he stressed, calling for merit-based appointments and protections for officers who stand against corruption.
The disclosure is expected to intensify calls for transparency in senior police appointments as South Africans continue to demand accountability and reform in law enforcement.
