Thabo Mbeki: “If I Were President, I Would Have Called Mkhwanazi To Understand His Allegations”

Former President Thabo Mbeki says if he were still in office, he would have personally called KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to understand the explosive allegations he made against senior government and police officials.

Speaking to Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on the African Renaissance Podcast, Mbeki said that would have been his first step before making any decision. “If I were President, I would have called Mkhwanazi to come and speak to me to get a better understanding of the allegations he made during his press briefing. That would have been the starting point, and I would even have both Mkhwanazi and the National Commissioner present so I can really understand what is going on,” he said.

Mbeki’s comments come after Mkhwanazi made serious claims in July 2025 that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other high-ranking officials interfered in police investigations and shielded criminal networks from accountability. His briefing triggered widespread public concern about corruption and political interference within law enforcement.

President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by meeting both General Mkhwanazi and Minister Mchunu separately before deciding to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the matter. However, many South Africans questioned the move, saying commissions of inquiry often fail to produce real accountability.

Several opposition parties and civic groups argued that Ramaphosa should have taken immediate disciplinary action against Mchunu instead of launching another lengthy investigation.

The newly established inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Madlanga, will look into allegations that criminal syndicates have infiltrated state institutions, including the police, courts, and correctional services.

While some welcomed the inquiry as a sign of transparency, others remain sceptical, saying South Africans have grown tired of inquiries that produce reports but no action.