Chief justice asks Mkhwanazi and Masemola to back up allegations
Mkhwanazi was also urged to lodge formal complaints with the Judicial Service Commission and/or the Magistrates' Commission, where appropriate.
Chief justice Mandisa Maya, said the judiciary stands firm in its commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
'If any person, including Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, has credible evidence of unlawful or unethical conduct committed by a member of the judiciary, they are urged to report such matters to the legally mandated structures of the state. Unsubstantiated allegations, however, regrettably undermine the administration of justice and weaken public trust in our institutions, which are essential to upholding our constitutional democracy,' Maya said.
Mkhwanazi made damning allegations against police minister Senzo Mchunu on Sunday.
He accused the minister of interfering with police investigations and of being an associate of people with questionable characters.
He claimed that in 2024, a request was received from the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit for help in dismantling an organised crime syndicate operating across the country and controlled from Gauteng. Investigations revealed that the syndicate involved politicians, members of law enforcement (including SAPS, metro police and correctional services), prosecutors and members of the judiciary and was being controlled by a drug cartel in collaboration with certain businesspeople.
Reacting to the allegations, the judiciary said it noted the remarks with serious concern.
'Such claims, made without substantiation, are extremely damaging to public confidence in the independence and integrity of our courts — a fundamental pillar of our constitutional democracy,' the Office of the Chief Justice said in a statement.
The office said judicial officers were bound by the judicial oath or solemn affirmation of office to uphold and protect the constitution and the human rights entrenched in it, and to administer justice to all people alike without fear, favour or prejudice, as per the constitution and the law.
'As such, any suggestion of impropriety within the judiciary is treated with the utmost gravity. These bodies are constitutionally and statutorily mandated to investigate complaints against judicial officers. The JSC derives its authority from Section 178 of the constitution, read with the Judicial Service Commission Act, 1994 (Act 9 of 1994). Furthermore, the Magistrates Commission operates under the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act 90 of 1993). Both institutions have well-established mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct, ensuring due process and fairness,' reads the statement.
Reaffirming its dedication to justice, transparency and the principles enshrined in the constitution, the Office of the Chief Justice said should any judicial officer be found to have acted unlawfully or unethically, appropriate action must be taken without hesitation.
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IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Investigation reveals National Police Commissioner Masemola's questionable financial dealings
An investigation reveals that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola lives beyond his means. Image: Picture: Siyabulela Duda/GCIS Following allegations that a warrant of arrest was issued against the police national commissioner, Fannie Masemola, it has been established that the country's police boss is living beyond his means. During his media briefing on Thursday, EFF leader Julius Malema revealed that Masemola would be arrested for conspiring with Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, who was recently arrested for corruption and fraud. An investigation revealed that Masemola spends more than he earns. Masemola, who allegedly received kickbacks related to intelligence property deals, has the monthly installments of R68,388.00 while he earns R58,052.11. His monthly salary is R129,996.87 and his deductions amount to R71,914.76. This is according to an investigation by the founder of Forensics for Justice, Paul O'Sullivan, who also found that Masemola owns five properties. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He owns one in Bloemfontein, two in Pretoria and the other two in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The property in Bloemfontein is worth R380,000 and was purchased in 2016. The properties in Pretoria are valued at R165,000 and R1,500,000, respectively. The other one was purchased in 1996 and the other one in 2011. The properties in Pietermaritzburg were bought in 2002 and 2005. The other one is valued at R153,000 and the other one is R445,000. The investigation also revealed that in 2019, Masemola took a personal loan amounting to R200,000.00 from Nedbank and was repaid within seven months. Records indicate that in order to pay off that loan, he took another loan in the amount of R238,000.00. 'Back-to-back loans are generally seen as Red Flags. Subject (Masemola) is shown as being currently 9 months in arrears in revolving credit with Standard Bank. Enquiries should be made with the accounting services of the police to ascertain what debt has been incurred between the government and the subject, which results in substantial deductions from the subject's salary each month,' read the report. Masemola did not respond to calls and messages regarding comments on the allegations. National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said she cannot comment on Masemola's private affairs and his monthly expenditure. 'But it's a norm that every year, all government officials disclose their assets and other financial interests through the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) financial disclosure system,' she said. DPSA spokesperson Moses Mushi said the financial disclosures made in terms of the Public Administration Management Act, 2014, by the National Commissioner: SAPS, fall within the category of a record held by a public body to which access could only be obtained in terms of PAIA, and in the absence of such a request in terms of PAIA, the sharing of such information will be contrary to the provisions of PAIA. O'Sullivan said he even warned President Cyril Ramaphosa not to appoint Masemola as the national commissioner, saying he was unfit to hold the position. Masemola was appointed in March 2022. O'Sullivan said Masemola's appointment brought the country backwards to a point where he rendered the police service useless. He previously alleged that Masemola and Khumalo received kickbacks from the property deals, which include a boutique hotel in Pretoria North, reportedly purchased for R22.7-million, and a commercial building in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, valued at R22.8-million. Malema, on Thursday, said the recent briefing held by KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who blew the whistle about infiltration within law enforcement, caused the postponement of Masemola's alleged arrest. He also alluded to political interference in relation to this matter. 'I do not know why he is not being picked up. It means someone somewhere is playing politics, and they want to undermine, once more, the independence of our justice system,' Malema said. 'Masemola is being arrested for what he did with Khumalo in crime intelligence. He was supposed to be arrested that week when Mkhwanazi had a press conference. 'So, I thought that Mkhwanazi's briefing was a pre-emptive strategy, and perhaps the arrest of Masemola is delayed by that,' Malema said. However, Mathe said the SAPS was not aware of any warrant of arrest against Masemola, adding that questions should be directed to Malema. 'He may be in a better position to respond with more information,' she said. KZN police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda, said Mkhwanazi is not responding to any issues pertaining to his press conference or related matters. O'Sullivan, who previously also called for the suspension of both Masemola and Mkhanazi, said he was of the opinion that if there could be a warrant of arrest, it should be for both Masemola and Mkhwanazi, adding that they have both been engaged for a considerable time, in criminal activities, and actively support criminals themselves, to wit, the Five Generals and Two Brigadiers, that should have been dismissed already, but are continuing to commit crime whilst in the police.
Daily Maverick
8 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
MK party rides Mkhwanazi, Budget fallout on march to 2026 polls amid its own power struggle
The uMkhonto Wesizwe party is capitalising on the Budget fallout and its support for Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to attract voters, all while battling friction inside the party. With the growing public support for KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party says it is 'more resolute than ever' in its bid to govern KwaZulu-Natal. The party has spent months trying to take control of the province's governance, so far without success. It is now seemingly using its nationwide campaign in support of Mkhwanazi, and is also calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa's resignation and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's removal, as part of its broader 2026 local government elections campaign. But first, the party wants to revisit its initial plans to take over the province where it got the most votes after the 2024 elections. One of the ways the party sought to take over was through a motion of no confidence that it wanted to bring against the incumbent premier, Thami Ntuli. However, this did not materialise, since MK did not have the buy-in of parties such as the National Freedom Party (NFP). The MK party emerged as the biggest political party in the province after the 29 May elections, winning 37 seats in the 80-seat KZN legislature, followed by the IFP, which won 15 seats, the ANC (14), the DA (11), the EFF (two) and the NFP (one). The party's decision to contest the election results delayed coalition talks and gave the IFP, ANC, DA and NFP an opportunity to form a governing coalition with a combined 41 seats, ultimately leaving the MK party out in the cold. Daily Maverick understands that the talks are now back on, though it remains unclear whether they will succeed. National spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: 'We are more resolute than ever to govern and to take power. We're more intentional than ever because we can see that these people are fumbling; they don't know what they're doing right now,' Ndhlela said. To govern the province with a majority the party would need just four seats in addition to the 37 it already has. Although the MK leaders would not go into detail about the party's plans to take over the province, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa rallied behind the government of provincial unity (GPU) this week, saying it was holding tight and had made significant strides. 'We believe our impact can be felt at every level but in particular on crime reduction and economic development.' The NFP's president, Irvin Barnes, could not be reached for comment by the time of publication. The MK's nationwide ' Hands off Mkhwanazi ' marches in support of the police commissioner come three weeks after explosive allegations of criminal syndicates and political meddling in the South African Police Service. The anti-corruption campaign is gaining momentum, especially in KwaZulu‑Natal and Gauteng, and the party seems to be using it to position itself as credible. However, many of its own members are themselves embroiled in serious allegations of corruption. MK in Parliament The party has faced criticism of its performance as the official opposition in Parliament. It is now capitalising on the Budget fallout and Mkhwanazi's backing to attract voters and boost its campaign. An MK member in the KZN legislature said the party was getting a warm welcome from communities in the province for its 'principled stance' on Mkhwanazi. 'People have long seen the ANC of Ramaphosa for what it is and we can see this clearly when we engage communities. They are tired of corruption and empty promises. They are now coming to terms with the fact that MKP is the only party that can bring change,' he said. KwaZulu-Natal is the ANC's largest province by membership, but it was the hardest hit by the rise of the MK party. Its share of the provincial vote dropped from 54.22% in 2019 to 16.99% in 2024. The party was then reduced from a commanding position to only 14 seats in the 80-seat provincial legislature. This forced it to become a weaker partner in the GPU. In the first democratic election in 1994, the IFP won control of KZN with just more than 50% of the provincial vote, against the ANC's 32%. The ANC won the province for the first time in 2004 when Jacob Zuma was the party's deputy president. In 2014, when Zuma was president, it increased its share of the vote to 64% before dropping back to 54% in 2019 after Zuma resigned as president in 2018. Ultimately, political analysts believe that although the MK party's stance may be principled, it also serves as an effective campaign strategy. Although the party seeks to present a united and disciplined front, its internal dynamics suggest otherwise, specifically as several key positions remain vacant. The last position to become vacant is that of the secretary-general, often seen as the engine in any party. It became vacant after Floyd Shivambu was removed from the position over his controversial trip to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri's church in Malawi. No rush In June, Shivambu said that over the coming months he would consult various communities and groups to gauge whether he should launch his own political party. A senior MK member who spoke on condition of anonymity said: 'The president is not in a rush to take a decision [on a replacement for Shivambu]. He is still applying his mind and in due time we will communicate it. There is really no rush.' Several names have been touted to take over the crucial position. Ndhlela was believed to be in the running for the top job but this was short-lived after he was removed from the party's whippery team in Parliament for disruptive behaviour by the party's deputy president, John Hlophe. This leaves Phumlani Mfeka, one of the party's founding members, as Shivambu's potential successor. Backing a high-profile figure like Mkhwanazi allows the party to send a strong message to both its supporters and its political rivals, one of seriousness, order and future readiness, according to political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast. But Breakfast believes this is not enough, because voters want action and structure. Just last week, five of the party's provincial legislature members defied their newly appointed chief whip, Bonginkosi Mngadi, by voting against the Revenue Bill. March to the Union Buildings On 18 July, hundreds of MK supporters marched from Church Square in Pretoria's inner city to the Union Buildings, where they submitted a memorandum of demands. Although Mkhwanazi's allegations are yet to be proven, the party's spokesperson in Gauteng, Abel Tau, said MK is urging the President to take decisive action against individuals implicated in interfering with police operations, referencing Mchunu. 'These are serious allegations that were not made by some lunatic on the street but by a career police officer who is well decorated. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has done his work. We believe he… knows what the implications are.' Meanwhile, MK's Youth League president, Qiniso Cibane, said: 'We are saying Mkhwanazi must be given a second term so he can help clean up our province. 'We are also saying Ramaphosa must be honourable and resign. He has failed the young people of this country.' Cibane used the same march to urge the party supporters to vote for MK at the 2026 polls. 'Next year we are heading to the elections. Let us go and tell everyone we know to vote for the MK. Let us not rush for positions, vote for the party and not a person. The MK party belongs to the people, not one person,' he told the crowd. Ndhlela was confident that the marches would yield positive results. 'The last time we marched against VAT, you saw what happened. People must not underestimate uMkhonto Wesizwe.' DM
The South African
10 hours ago
- The South African
Malema invites Mkhwanazi to join EFF
Julius Malema invites Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to join the EFF at the 12th anniversary rally in Khayelitsha. Image: File EFF leader Julius Malema has publicly invited KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to join the party. Malema made the offer during the EFF's 12th anniversary rally in Khayelitsha on 26 July, where he praised Mkhwanazi's bold stance against political interference and police corruption. 'General Mkhwanazi, if they fire you for standing against corruption, the EFF has a place for you,' Malema told thousands of supporters. ADVERTISEMENT Call for Mkhwanazi's Promotion Reiterated Malema praised Mkhwanazi's leadership and reaffirmed the EFF's longstanding call to appoint him as national police commissioner, citing his integrity and track record. Mkhwanazi recently made headlines after accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of obstructing investigations into political killings. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed both officials on special leave and appointed a judicial commission of inquiry. Public Divided Over Political Invitation Malema's invitation has triggered mixed reactions. Critics argue Mkhwanazi, a respected career officer, is unlikely to align with the EFF's radical politics. Others welcomed the move, viewing it as a show of solidarity with a whistle-blower facing political pushback. ADVERTISEMENT Future Uncertain as Contract Nears End Mkhwanazi's contract ends in December 2025. It remains uncertain whether he will accept Malema's offer or remain in the SAPS amid mounting political tensions. Will Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi accept Julius Malema's invitation to join the EFF? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
