Many “Hands Off Mkhwanazi” marchers expressed their desire for KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue as the top cop when his contract ends.

On Tuesday, hundreds of people, from political parties, civic organisations, private security, the church and others, took to the streets of Durban for Mkhwanazi. 

This comes after Mkhwanazi held a media briefing on July 6, where he alleged that there is political interference in police matters. He said a criminal syndicate has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence in South Africa. He also said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team. 

Last Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa established a judicial commission of inquiry. The commission will investigate Mkhwanazi’s allegations. Ramaphosa also placed Mchunu on a leave of absence effective immediately and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister.

In a powerful display of support, demonstrators advocated for the renewal of Mkhwanazi’s contract. Among them was Sinothile Ngcobo, who echoed the sentiments of many: “With Mkhwanazi at the helm, we know we are free, and we see a better future because of how he works.”

“We wish he would continue because the time he has been here, we see a difference. The role he has played in his rank, we have seen the difference. If his term ends, we hope he will continue. We want him to continue.” 

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola answered the question about marchers wanting Mkhwanazi to continue as provincial commissioner when his contract ends. 

Although Masemola said he could not discuss it in public, he said it is the employer-employee, and it will depend on the employee at the time when his contract comes through for renewal. 

“I don’t know, he hasn’t told me yet…. The employer must approach him, I think, six months before, three months before, to indicate whether one wants to extend or not.

“He’s a young man doing his work very well, so when we reach that point, we will be able to discuss that,” Masemola said. 

DA Employment & Labour spokesperson and labour lawyer Michael Bagraim explained that firstly, contracts can be renewed and are generally renewed if the service provided has been favourable. Secondly, the operational requirements will determine whether the contract has to be renewed or not. Thirdly, the commissioner has had long service and is not in any way compromised by his ability or his previous service. 

“The commissioner has had no disciplinary warnings and has not been noted to be lacking in his ability. Therefore, for all the above, it is expected that the commissioner would have his contract renewed,” Bagraim said. 

He said it is understood that the latest press release and press conference will upset a few of the high-ranking officers, but this should not in any way stand against the renewal. It is also understood that there are many in the higher ranks who believe the press conference breached police protocols. 

“The reality of the situation is that if there was no press conference, the information might have been suppressed. This could be deemed to be a protected disclosure. If the press conference in any way prejudices the commissioner, he can challenge that through the bargaining council,” Bagraim explained. 

He added that it was correct of the general to withhold his personal view concerning the renewal.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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