Hands Off Mkhwanazi: March Canceled After Probe "Withdrawal"

(The Post News)– Demonstration in support of the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been canceled after he was told that he is no longer required to provide a statement on the ongoing probe against him.

Masses from civil society groups, unions and businesses were expected to participate in a march in support of Mkhwanazi on Friday. One of the organisers, Vincent Mdunge, a former top police official who is now the provincial spokesperson for the uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) party, believes that IPID’s investigation is politically motivated.

Mdunge questioned the timing of the investigation, citing that Mkhwanazi is being targeted after he raised “contentious” issues that are preventing him from doing his work. According to Mdunge, one of the concerns highlighted by Mkhwanazi was that the incumbent of the Ministry of Police swiftly suspended the specialised team established to tackle KZN’s endemic political assassinations.

Mdunge asserted that there are dysfunctional processes within the police, saying that they are unable to fight and combat crime, which is their primary mandate that is embodied in the constitution of South Africa.

Mkhwanazi received a letter on March 12, 2025, from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) signed by the acting national head Thuso Keefelakae, notifying him about the complaint of interference against him.

The letter that listed Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu as the complainant stated that Mkhwanazi instructed police who were conducting an operation in the Qalakabusha residential area not to open a case against Nelly Ndlovu, a suspect who was found in possession of five R5 rounds and drugs. However, the police watchdog later wrote another letter acknowledging the “mistake” of listing Mchunu as the complainant, now claiming that the complaint was from an anonymous source.