Several political parties have voiced significant concern subsequent to the startling assertions made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, during a media briefing concerning the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
In a stunning revelation that has commanded the attention of South Africans, Mkhwanazi unveiled the alarming existence of a sophisticated criminal syndicate infiltrating the upper echelons of the state.
According to Mkhwanazi, this syndicate comprises senior politicians, police officers, correctional services officials, metro police, prosecutors, members of the judiciary, and influential business figures. These individuals reportedly operate in concert with a drug cartel that has established a deep-rooted presence in both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
This enterprise, bolstered by drug trafficking operations in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, has been accused of actively obstructing justice and redirecting public funds through corrupt tenders to finance political campaigns.
Among the revelations, the involvement of “CAT” Matlala, an influential figure reportedly linked to the South African Police Service's (SAPS) tender processes, stands out. Matlala is alleged to have financed the political initiatives of key political players, including Minister Mchunu and his associate, Mr Brown Mogotsi, raising serious questions about the intertwining of business and politics.
The consequences of the task team's disruption became evident when it began unearthing the connections between organised crime and those in power. Following its investigations, the task team itself became a target, facing backlash from the very cadre of officials it sought to expose.
In response to these troubling disclosures, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) commended Mkhwanazi's courage, urging that immediate action be taken. They demanded that the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, call for an urgent briefing with the Minister of Police to discuss these serious allegations. The EFF warned against attempts to stifle transparency and accountability surrounding these pressing issues.
Furthermore, the Forum for South Africa implored President Cyril Ramaphosa to consider appointing General Mkhwanazi as National Commissioner to reinvigorate efforts in the fight against crime throughout the nation. The call to action extends to a plea for the removal or reassignment of the Minister of Police, who critics contend has performed inadequately in navigating complex issues like the Cwecwe case.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) took a decisive stance, urging that an Independent Commission of Inquiry, under a retired judge's helm, be established to thoroughly investigate the severe allegations put forth by Mkhwanazi.
“The IFP further calls for Minister Mchunu to be placed on special leave until such time that the Independent Commission of Inquiry has concluded its work, and presented its findings. During this period Minister Mchunu should subject himself to the due investigative processes of the Commission.”
In light of these revelations, the Build One South Africa (BOSA) party has also called for the establishment of a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation to delve into the findings shared by General Mkhwanazi, further emphasising the need for proper accountability within the ranks of law enforcement.
“The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, can no longer remain silent or offer vague reassurances. South Africans deserve to know what is being done to root out this corruption and protect the public from the consequences of a captured state.”
Defending his ministry against the avalanche of accusations, Minister Mchunu stated, “The Minister of Police will never allow his integrity, that of the ministry or the SAPS at large to be undermined by insinuations made without evidence.”
Mchunu asserted the commitment of SAPS to uphold the law and address the vexing issues of crime plaguing South Africa, including tackling the challenges of high murder rates and rampant drug trafficking.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star