The South African Policing Union (SAPU) said it is shocked, but not surprised by explosive allegations made by KZN provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The police union called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene immediately.

“We are shocked that those matters found expression in the media space, as ordinarily there are internal processes to follow on issues like these ones when they are to threaten the security of a country like ours,” SAPU national spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgala said.

“We understand as a union that dirty laundry should not be hung in the public domain for everyone to see when National Security is being threatened.”

Thobakgale said SAPU supports anyone in the safety and security sector who makes efforts to fight and root out criminality, adding that such efforts seek to maintain law and order and to protect the safety of all citizens.

“It is worrisome and regrettable to witness what we learned through the media space today,” Thobakgale said.

“There are serious allegations made against the executives, Deputy National Commissioners and the judiciary of which they need urgent action by the President, as they cannot wait for tomorrow, he must intervene in order to protect the integrity and security of the country.”

This comes after Mkhwanazi recently accused Mchunu of interfering in high-profile criminal investigations to protect individuals with links to crime syndicates and senior police officials.

Among the allegations, Mkhwanazi said Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the political task team investigating political killings and organised crime in the province.

Thobakgale said SAPU previously made several attempts to bring matters to Ramaphosa, including during the tenure of Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdhluli.

The union said it sent letters seeking action on issues related to crime intelligence and the abrupt end of terms for national commissioners. However, it received no response.

“We are not suggesting that we support corruption or any form of crime, even the allegations of those labelled against them,” he said.

“The integrity and the stability of South Africa are key to us, we want to reiterate that they should not be questioned in the media space or in public.”

Thobakgale said they call on those involved to exercise restraint and avoid discussing sensitive State Security and Criminal Justice issues on the media platforms.

Meanwhile, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) said it has also taken note of the explosive allegations by Mkhwanazi.

POPCRU spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said that while the union acknowledges the gravity and broad implications of the claims, it touches on matters central to the internal operations and integrity of law enforcement structures.

”We are of the firm view that the safety and security of South Africans must never be compromised,” Mamabolo said.

“This moment demands responsible leadership, maturity, and transparency – not public spectacle or factional posturing. It is precisely during moments like these that the nation must rally behind principles of accountability, justice, and institutional integrity.”

Mamabolo said the current public discourse has become dominated by accusations and counter-accusations, which risk undermining the legitimate concerns that should be addressed through competent and independent processes.

He called for calm and urged the public to avoid speculation. 

“The criminal justice system should be shielded from any interference, and mechanisms of oversight must be allowed to function, leading to a process that will result in facts being placed in the open.”

Mamabolo expressed confidence that Ramaphosa, upon his return from the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will fulfill his constitutional duty as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces by prioritising the matter.

“It is essential that no stone be left unturned in determining the full scope of the issues raised, holding those found responsible accountable, and restoring public confidence in SAPS leadership.

“We call on all members to remain committed to upholding the rule of law under extremely challenging conditions, to continue the fight against crime and corruption and to ensure the environments they work under are not compromised.” 

”As POPCRU, we reaffirm our commitment to defending the dignity of all officers who serve with honour and discipline,” Mamabolo added.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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