Ramaphosa calls for ‘discipline and restraint’ after KZN top cop drops bombshell

Ramaphosa

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern over serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, calling it a “grave national security concern”.

Ramaphosa urged all parties to show restraint and discipline, warning that public accusations could erode trust in law enforcement and national unity.

“This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention. It is vital that the integrity of the country’s security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.

“All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint. The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion. Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police,” the president said in a statement.

Ramaphosa is expected to outline actions upon his return from the BRICS Summit in Brazil.

Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of political interference, specifically in the disbandment of a task team investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.

He claimed the unit had uncovered links between politicians, police, and businesspeople in a criminal syndicate, prompting its shutdown.

Mkhwananzi also alleged ties between Mchunu and businessman Brown Mogotsi, supported by a phone recording and evidence from an accused tenderpreneur’s phone.

Speaking during an interview with eNCA, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula called the allegations “grave” and said they suggest a breakdown in law enforcement protocols.

While he criticised Mkhwanazi for going public, he emphasised that the president must handle the issue as Mchunu reports directly to him.

“These are grave accusations by a police commissioner – which border on lawlessness and the state of our law enforcement agencies. It’s worrisome and we have full confidence that the president will deal with these matters with all the powers invested in him,” Mbalula said.

“The police force can’t communicate things of this nature and we put a blind eye to that. But over and above that, some of these issues must actually be investigated but also al protocols of the state must be observed

“It borders on lawlessness and a banana republic that a high ranking police commissioner can basically go to television and make a disparaging and grave accusations and allegations in the way we have learnt about them.”

Meanwhile, Mchunu dismissed the claims as “baseless” and said the police ministry will consider appropriate action after reviewing Mkhwanazi’s statements.

“The Minister of Police will never allow his integrity, that of the Ministry or the SAPS at large to be undermined by insinuations made without evidence or due processes, from anyone, including Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.

“We will be reviewing the Provincial Commissioner’s statements and consider appropriate action. All these statements made by him in public require an urgent, thorough and transparent investigation, on a proper platform,” Mchunu said in a statement.

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