Cape Town – KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has testified at the Madlanga Commission, alleging that former Police Minister Bheki Cele attempted to interfere with police investigations and shield senior officers from scrutiny.
Mkhwanazi’s testimony has raised serious concerns about political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mkhwanazi said Cele had asked him to approach a crime-intelligence official and convince him to take up a five-year contract position in Gauteng. Mkhwanazi told the inquiry that the request “made no sense” and appeared to be a tactic to sideline investigators from sensitive probes.
[WATCH] Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi explains how former police minister Bheki Cele allegedly played a part in attempting to distract an internal disciplinary process against General Feroz Khan.#MadlangaCommision pic.twitter.com/sYuC5PFyx1
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 19, 2025
The commissioner described what he sees as sustained political interference in policing structures.
“I want to demonstrate that the criminal justice system has been subject to a continuous threat, as well as sabotage, which has been with us over an extended period to a point where we believe it is at risk of a total collapse if nothing is done.”
Mkhwanazi further claimed that former crime-intelligence boss General Khumalo’s arrest was orchestrated to derail investigations.
“When General Khumalo was arrested, it became clear – this wasn’t just a legal matter. It was a strategic hit on our operations. His arrest was meant to immediately collapse the investigation.”
He also questioned ministerial decisions to disband or reassign task teams.
General Mkhwanazi name drops Bheki Cele.
Bheki Cele pissed Mkhwanazi off to a point where Mkhwanazi stopped speaking to Bheki Cele! #MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/X8RGMKKyug
— m a s h è s h a 💨 (@_mashesha) September 19, 2025
“To me, it was a wrong conclusion that the minister has reached, which is why it became a matter of concern. The minister’s conclusion of saying that the team does not add any value in policing in South Africa was misplaced,” as reported by Eyewitness News.
Mkhwanazi added that key documents showed direct political fingerprints on policing matters.
“The Chief of Staff and the Minister cannot deny the letter exists — it has a signature. It was used to call for the docket and initiate the arrest”
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate political interference, corruption and organised crime within the justice system. Public hearings began on 17 September, with Mkhwanazi as the lead witness.
Parliament has also moved to summon Bheki Cele to give evidence, he has yet to respond to invitations from an ad-hoc committee probing the same issues.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
