Support for KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has been pouring in following the launch of an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) into allegations of interference in the arrest of a senior Correctional Services official.
The incident, reportedly occurring in Richards Bay in 2023, has sparked considerable attention, with many people voicing their support for Mkhwanazi.
In response to the investigation, the National Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, clarified that he had not filed any complaint against Mkhwanazi.
The investigation stemmed from an anonymous public complaint, not a formal complaint from the Minister.
IOL previously reported that Mchunu said, "I do want to repeat that I have not laid any complaint against Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi."
He further clarified that a letter issued by IPID's Acting Head of Investigations mistakenly implied that the Minister had requested the investigation, which was not the case. Mchunu emphasised that the Ministry of Police fully supports IPID’s independence and its role in investigating cases without external influence.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Shuping confirmed that the investigation centres on claims that Mkhwanazi may have hindered the legal process.
The Directorate has requested a sworn statement from Mkhwanazi by March 19, 2025. While the details remain unclear, the case has quickly become a highly contentious issue within the law enforcement community.
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Supporters of Mkhwanazi have expressed their confidence in his character and leadership through various public statements on social media.
Facebook user @RoyAnnendale remarked, "Leave the Prov. Commissioner alone. He is the only P.C. that has the guts to fight crime head-on and call a spade a spade. Keep up your good work!!!"
Another Facebook user, @johannweich, praised Mkhwanazi, stating, "Mkhwanazi is the best SAPS General South Africa has had in years. We hear there is political interference, as he has refused abuse of the SAPS Secret Fund."
@nkgatleboitipe voiced their support by saying, "I personally believe General Mkhwanazi over any politician here in SA!"
On X (formerly Twitter), @ChrisExcel102 expressed, "We stand with Lord Mkhwanazi in these difficult times. His work speaks for itself. No one can convince us otherwise."
We stand with Lord Mkhwanazi in these difficult times….
His work speaks for itself…
No one can convince us otherwise 🤧🤧 pic.twitter.com/KqgtOaP6qg
Herman Mashaba also added his support, commenting, "Count me in as well in support of General Mkhwanazi."
Count me on as well in support of General Mkhwanazi. https://t.co/XPWbpAVvPt
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) March 16, 2025
X user @Judaeda3 criticised the investigation, stating, "The smear campaign against Mkhwanazi has been planned long before we even realized, and it will never work. South Africa is behind you. Keep up the good work. Those corrupt police were working with someone from the past, and we all know who was behind them."
@MikeMolobe44116 defended Mkhwanazi, stating, "Lord Mkhwanazi is a national treasure, and we must not be distracted by fake news on social platforms trying to tarnish his name. He's the kind of guy every province should have."
X user @AFRICANDEMOC added, "I have conducted thorough research and concluded that Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is not a criminal; he is a genuine patriot. We should stand up for Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. A few weeks ago, I received incorrect information about him. In my opinion, he is completely innocent."
I have conducted thorough research and concluded that Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is not a criminal; he is a genuine patriot.
We should stand up for Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
A few weeks ago, I received incorrect information about him.
In my opinion, he is completely innocent. pic.twitter.com/EfvQxp785x
@Aya_Muzi emphasised the uniqueness of Mkhwanazi's approach, saying, "He’s the only provincial commissioner serious about fighting crime @SAPoliceService. All the other 8 provinces don’t have hard workers, just people talking salaries and doing interviews. Obviously, some behind-the-scenes shenanigans are going on as well."
He’s the only provincial commissioner serious about fighting crime @SAPoliceService all the other 8 provinces don’t have hard workers, just people talking salaries and doing interviews. Obviously some behind the scenes shenanigans are going on as well.
— AMM (@Aya_Muzi) March 12, 2025
Lastly, @stanbiiz123 expressed their belief in Mkhwanazi’s capabilities, saying, "Mr. Mkhwanazi deserves to be the Head of Police to clean all the mess in SAPS and expand SAPS as well as its resources. He is a responsible man.''
Mr Mkhwanazii deserves to be the Heard Of Police..To clean all the mess..in SAPS and expand SAPS also it's resources..he is a Responsible Man✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
— TheeBlackCommunity-2 (@stanbiiz123) March 12, 2025
Amid the investigation, Mchunu reiterated that the Ministry of Police fully recognises the hard work of Mkhwanazi and other provincial commissioners in their fight against crime.
"The Ministry supports all Provincial Commissioners in their efforts. At all material times, the Ministry of Police works to uphold the rule of law and will do everything to strengthen mechanisms to fight against crime,'' said Mchunu.
IOL News