Public safety in South Africa is once again a topic of concern after a video of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the commissioner of the KwaZulu-Natal Police, warning about the plight of women and other defenceless elements of society, leaked online.
Reports of many female bodies discovered in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, in September 2026 led to the resharing of film shot at a police briefing in Durban on July 6, 2025.
Mkhwanazi uses the film to stress the need of police personnel looking out for regular people who may not have the means that police possess. The public may not have access to the same safeguards that police have, he says, such as guns, support from colleagues, and specialist training.
Additionally, he stresses the need of cops not letting fears of harm come between them and dangers to vulnerable individuals, particularly women.
Reports of the discovery of remains in places like Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, and Kwa-Thema have refocused attention on the video. The fatalities have prompted an investigation by the police, however it has not been officially shown that all the incidents are related or involve the same killer.
Some online commenters have demanded that Mkhwanazi be appointed to a top position in national police, while others have praised his focus on safeguarding vulnerable residents. Such remarks only reflect the opinions of the commenter and do not constitute official government policy.
His briefing in 2025 prompted more investigation of claims of crime and involvement with the criminal justice system, and Mkhwanazi has continued to play a significant role in discussions around police.
In light of ongoing worries about the safety of women, violent crime, and gender-based violence in South Africa, the unearthed tape has thrust his comments back into the limelight.
