WATCH | McKenzie: ‘SA police a crime den!’ — I’ll testify, I know things

Gayton McKenzie

Cape Town – Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has backed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The commission, to be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, follows serious claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and others.

Speaking to  Newzroom Afrika, McKenzie expressed readiness to testify, warning of deep-rooted criminal infiltration in SAPS and suggesting that major revelations will emerge.

“Mkhwanazi is blaming the minister Mchunu, the minister is blaming him. So, let’s get to the truth of it. It’s just that people must understand, it’s frustrating when you want action right now, and you want things to happen,” McKenzie said.

“But this thing is so delicate that I’m telling you, what is going to come out of that… [whistles]. South Africans must be ready. I’m also going to testify at the commission because I know things. If they call me, I’m going.

“About these in the Western Cape that kill our people. This one is not ‘get your popcorn ready’, you must get your popcorn factory ready because this thing, the corruption that’s going to come out of there … every gang boss of every cartel in the world, always you hear they’re being arrested in South Africa. They are here. What are these people doing here?”

While some opposition parties criticised the move, McKenzie praised Ramaphosa’s transparency, calling SAPS a “crime den” and urging that those guilty be jailed.

He, however, criticised Mkhwanazi’s dramatic press conference flanked by armed officers, saying it gave off a “rebel country” image inappropriate for South Africa.

“I’m glad he spoke up. What I was not happy about was the press conference with guns and people with masks. We are not a rebel country. That gives a rebel impression,” the minister said.

“You might praise him, but tomorrow someone else will call a press conference with the army. You cannot be happy with that, not in South Africa.”

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