KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi engaged in a sharp exchange with Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls during a meeting of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
When questioned about his policing strategy, General Mkhwanazi quoted from the ancient military text “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, stating: “When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
He explicitly identified this “enemy” as being “within,” pointing to political interference from Parliament’s own Portfolio Committee on Police. He reiterated his previous allegations of misconduct involving officials and the anti-corruption directorate.
Mkhwanazi also defended the timing of a major media briefing held just before the Durban July event, explaining it was strategically scheduled to avoid disrupting tourism and to ensure his message reached a sober public.