Political interference and tensions in the police are among the possible reasons being put forward by stakeholders in law enforcement regarding the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probe into KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
IPID confirmed this week that it had received an anonymous complaint regarding Mkhwanazi in connection with a case against a senior official in Correctional Services. It said the investigation is underway.
Mkhwanazi has previously said he believed he was being targeted as he was investigating corruption involving politicians who were abusing the SAPS Secret Fund, which is used for intelligence operations.
However, KZN violence monitor Mary de Haas has dismissed Mkhwanazi’s claims that he is being targeted for exposing corruption within Crime Intelligence, stating that the investigation into the misuse of the police’s secret fund had been ongoing for months before Mkhwanazi became involved.
“I know that’s not true because I have been working with the people who originally reported this corruption,” said de Haas.
She referenced allegations of police funds being used to purchase properties, including a hotel, a property in Bloemfontein, and another in Durban.
“This investigation has been running for several months, ever since details of the hotel purchase surfaced.”
De Haas said she and others have submitted details regarding these transactions to the Inspector General of Intelligence (IGI).
“Mkhwanazi may have found out about it later on, but he certainly wasn’t the one who initiated the investigation.” Instead, de Haas suggested that tensions within SAPS leadership might be behind the developments surrounding Mkhwanazi.
De Haas also highlighted broader internal battles within SAPS, particularly around Crime Intelligence.
Commenting on the IPID probe, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, Ian Cameron, has expressed suspicion that the investigation into Mkhwanazi may have political undertones, although he acknowledged that he does not have concrete evidence.
Cameron pointed out that Mkhwanazi made bold statements about corruption and political interference in the police service just two weeks before the IPID investigation was announced.
“The timing is such that it is difficult for me to believe there isn’t another motive at play,” he said.
Cameron also raised concerns about the internal politics of the police force, particularly with the upcoming selection of a new national police commissioner.
“The race for the position is now in full swing, and I believe we will see more of these types of cases emerging in the coming months,” he noted.
Regarding the shifting explanations from IPID, Cameron highlighted inconsistencies in the watchdog’s statements.
“Initially, they said the Minister of Police instructed them to investigate, then within 48 hours, they claimed it was an anonymous tip-off. This inconsistency raises doubts about the integrity of the investigation,” he said.
Cameron also questioned the credibility of the anonymous complaint that triggered the probe, saying, “Many times, these anonymous tip-offs come from disgruntled employees seeking revenge. While some have merit, many turn out to be baseless.” A thorough, impartial investigation was needed, he said.
THE MERCURY
