Durban – Police in KwaZulu-Natal have issued a public warning about a surge in fake social media accounts impersonating the province’s top cop, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, several fraudulent profiles have been detected on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Facebook.
These accounts are using Mkhwanazi’s name and images to create the false impression that he is active on social media and communicating directly with the public.
Netshiunda said that Mkhwanazi does not have any social media accounts, and described all existing profiles in his name as fake and deceptive.
“These platforms are being used to mislead the public into believing that it is the Provincial Commissioner speaking. The public is warned that these accounts are fake and are not endorsed by the police or the Provincial Commissioner,” he said.
#sapsKZN The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, would also like to plead with members of the public to refrain from using his photographs during various politically-aligned marches, especially those against the State President.
Although the… pic.twitter.com/ywUX6VLGT5
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 18, 2025
He added that police are considering legal action against individuals who continue to impersonate Mkhwanazi online for personal or political gain.
“Although police are contemplating taking legal steps against those who impersonate the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal to advance their personal agendas, the public is hereby informed that those profiles are fake and that neither the police in KwaZulu-Natal nor the Provincial Commissioner have endorsed such fake accounts,” Netshiunda.
In a further appeal, the Provincial Commissioner called on members of the public to stop using his photographs and name on placards and banners during politically-aligned protests, particularly those targeting the State President.
“While the Provincial Commissioner is grateful for the public’s support of the police’s work in the province, associating his image with political marches sends unintended messages to government, officials, and the international community,” said Netshiunda.
“The Provincial Commissioner is against crime and criminals — not government leaders,” he added.
Police urged the public to report any fake profiles and to verify all information through official SAPS channels.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
