Top South African official accuses police minister of colluding with crime syndicates
JOHANNESBURG: A South African top security official accused the police minister and a deputy national commissioner of colluding with crime syndicates, sparking public uproar.
In an unprecedented move, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, head of the police in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, called for a press conference Sunday and claimed that Senzo Mchunu and Shadrack Sibiya had interfered with sensitive police investigations.
He also alleged both men disbanded a crucial crime unit tasked with investigating repeated politically motivated killings in the province after it was revealed that crime syndicates were behind the killings.
Mkhwanazi claimed his investigation showed that some "politicians, law enforcement, SAPS (South African police service), metro police and correctional services, prosecutors, judiciary" were being "controlled by drug cartels and as well as business people".
He said he had evidence supporting his claims, yet to be made public.
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world and allegations of corruption within the police are not new.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Dubai villas | search ads
Get Deals
Undo
However, it is unusual for high-ranking security officials to accuse each other of involvement with criminals.
Mchunu has denied Mkhwanazi's claims, calling them "baseless".
"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 or due processes, from anyone, including Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi," Mchunu said in a statement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is currently in Brazil attending a Brics Leaders' Summit, said he would see to Mkhwanazi's allegations on his return home this week.
"This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention," Ramaphosa's office said in a statement, adding that the trading of accusations between the country's top police officials could undermine public confidence.
The African national congress party, which leads the country's unity government, said the issues raised by Mkhwanazi were "of grave concern" and it had been assured that Ramaphosa would attend to them.
The Institute for Security Studies, an independent crime watchdog, said these accusations should be thoroughly probed as they could erode public confidence in South Africa's police.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cash at HC judge's home: VP for probe
1 2 3 4 Kochi: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that the country went through a terrible time recently due to events in the judiciary concerning large amounts of cash found in the official residence of a high court judge. "It was worrisome because not many knew of it until a week later. The question that remains is whether this is an isolated incident or if there are other similar incidents," he said. During an interaction with the students of the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) in Kochi, Dhankhar said it was important to find out those who are culpable and bring them to justice. "But so far, there has been no FIR." 'Centre Is Handicapped': VP Dhankhar Warns Of 'Ides Of March' In Judge Cash-At-Home Row He said that where there has to be rule of law, there has to be equality before the law, which means every crime must be investigated. "If the money is so huge in volume, we have to find out if it is tainted money? What is the source of this money? How was it stocked in the official residence of a judge? To whom did it belong?," he asked. "Several penal provisions are violated in the process. I do hope an FIR will be registered. We must go to the root of the matter because, for democracy, it matters that our judiciary, in whom the faith is unshakable, has its very foundations shaken. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The citadel is tottering because of this incident," he said. Dhankhar said that each of the pillars of democracy must perform its function. But if the executive function is done by the legislature or judiciary, that will be antithetical to the essence and spirit of the doctrine of separation of powers. "I am aghast that a functionary of the executive, like the CBI director, is appointed with the participation of the Chief Justice of India. Why? The CBI director is not the senior-most person in the hierarchy. He has above him several layers: Chief vigilance commissioner, cabinet secretary, all secretaries. After all, he's heading a department. Why should an appointment of the executive be made by anyone else other than the executive?" he said, asking the students to study and work on these topics. "There is a constitutional provision, if you can understand, that certain constitutional authorities are not permitted to hold assignments after their office — like a public service commission member cannot take any assignment under the govt. The comptroller and auditor general can't take that assignment. The chief election commissioner and election commissioners can't take that assignment because they must be free not to be subjected to allurements and temptations. This was not for judges. Why? Because judges were expected to be totally away from it. And now we have post-retirement posts for judges," he said.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Karnataka must win over Tamil Nadu to unlock Mekedatu dam project, say experts
Bengaluru: Experts believe the impasse over the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project would not be permanent if Karnataka changes its approach from confrontation to collaboration. Planned at the confluence of Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers in Bengaluru South district, the Rs 9,000-crore project aims to store 48tmcft of water, supply 4.7tmcft for Bengaluru's drinking needs, and generate 400Mw of hydropower. Karnataka claims the project will help regulate water flow, prevent droughts and floods, and recharge groundwater. Despite political unity within Karnataka, the project has failed to move forward due to Tamil Nadu's opposition and pending approvals from central agencies. Tamil Nadu fears the dam will reduce its share of Cauvery water. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru A 2018 Supreme Court verdict on the Cauvery water-sharing issue did not prohibit Karnataka from building a dam at Mekedatu, but it said any such project must be cleared by Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), which is bound to consider Tamil Nadu's objections. Although both states are now partners of the INDIA bloc, the dispute remains. For Karnataka, which is battling erratic rainfall and mounting demand in Bengaluru, shelving the project is not an option. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The state assembly has repeatedly passed unanimous resolutions demanding early clearance, escalating tensions with Tamil Nadu. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who led a 168-km padyatra in 2023 ahead of the assembly polls in support of the project, has been less vocal in recent months. He continues to express commitment but blames the Centre for not facilitating inter-state talks or granting approvals. Experts say Karnataka must reposition the project as a cooperative effort. "This is a project that can move forward but only if Karnataka stops presenting it as a unilateral exercise," said Dr Roopesh Kumar, a retired professor and water policy expert. "It should bring Tamil Nadu into the process. There is room for negotiation under the Cauvery tribunal framework if Karnataka can prove that the project won't affect flows to Tamil Nadu. " Political analyst Vishwas Shetty believes Karnataka's unity on the project offers leverage. "This is a rare issue where all Karnataka parties agree. The state can use that consensus to build pressure on the Centre," he said. "But Karnataka must first assure Tamil Nadu through diplomatic and technical channels that its water share won't be compromised." JD(S) state chief and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy also urged a direct dialogue between states. "The Congress govt in Karnataka should convince the DMK govt in Tamil Nadu to clear the project. I will then get clearance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in five minutes," he said. Tamil Nadu had passed resolutions opposing the project, citing the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and moved the Supreme Court. "Any construction across the Cauvery by Karnataka will violate both tribunal and court orders," a senior Tamil Nadu official said. Karnataka maintains Mekedatu is a non-irrigation project and does not threaten Tamil Nadu's allocation of 404tmcft under the tribunal's final award and the apex court's revised 2018 order. Karnataka's allocation is 284tmcft. A Central Water Commission official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Karnataka must back its case with data. "Karnataka needs to submit a fresh, detailed project report with real-time data on flow, storage, and release mechanisms. If the DPR is watertight and shows that regulated releases will ensure Tamil Nadu's share, the Centre and CWMA may find it difficult to reject." A senior Jal Shakti ministry official said CWMA could mediate too. "CWMA's role isn't only to monitor releases; it can facilitate coordinated efforts to manage water resources. If both states are willing to discuss safeguards, a resolution is not impossible."
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
32 minutes ago
- First Post
Brics leaders reject Trump's ‘anti-American' claim, Lula says 'world doesn't need an emperor'
Brics leaders rejected Trump's claims that the bloc is 'anti-American,' whereas taking a sharp jibe at him Brazilian President Lula da Silva said the world 'doesn't need an emperor' read more From left, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's Premier Li Qiang pose for a group photo at the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo) Brics leaders on Monday rejected Donald Trump's claim that the bloc is 'anti-American.' Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the world 'doesn't need an emperor' after the US President threatened new tariffs on BRICS countries. Trump issued his threat on Sunday night as the US prepared to finalize multiple trade deals before his July 9 deadline for imposing 'retaliatory tariffs.' Speaking at the end of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Lula responded firmly to Trump's warning, saying, 'The world has changed. We don't want an emperor.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He described Brics as a group of countries looking for new ways to organize the global economy and said, 'I think that's why BRICS makes some people uncomfortable.' Back in February, Trump warned Brics nations they could face '100 per cent tariffs' if they tried to weaken the US dollar's role in global trade. By that time, Brazil's BRICS presidency had already scaled back efforts to create a common currency for the bloc, an idea some members proposed last year. On Monday, Lula repeated his view that global trade shouldn't rely only on the US dollar. 'The world needs to find a way for our trade relations not to depend on the dollar,' Lula told journalists. He added, 'Of course, we have to do this carefully and responsibly. Our central banks need to talk with central banks in other countries.' Other BRICS leaders also responded to Trump's threats, though in calmer terms. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the group does not aim to compete with other world powers and expressed hope for reaching a trade deal with the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion and pressure,' said Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry in Beijing. She added that BRICS supports 'win-win cooperation' and 'does not target any country.'
