Mkhwanazi accuses police minister of ties to crime syndicate, interfering with investigations
Deputy commissioner Sibiya denies allegations, dismisses the claims as baseless, challenges Mkhwanazi to provide evidence publicly, and accuses him of breaching police protocols by making unverified public statements.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial police commissioner, lieutenant general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has made explosive allegations against police minister Senzo Mchunu, claiming he has ties to a criminal syndicate and interfered with high-profile investigations.
The claims were made during a media briefing on Sunday, where Mkhwanazi detailed the work of the Political Killings Task Team and revealed evidence allegedly linking Mchunu to businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who was arrested in May for attempted murder.
Background on the Political Killings Task Team
Mkhwanazi explained that the task team was established in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa following a surge in political assassinations in KZN. The multidisciplinary unit, comprising SA Police Service, the NPA, and State Security, has investigated 612 cases, leading to 436 arrests and the recovery of 156 firearms, 55 of which were ballistically linked to political killings.
However, Mkhwanazi claimed the team's disbandment in December 2024 was influenced by its investigation into a criminal syndicate in Gauteng, one allegedly connected to high-ranking officials.
Alleged communications between minister and syndicate
The commissioner presented WhatsApp exchanges extracted from Matlala's phone, which purportedly show communication between the businessman and an associate of minister Mchunu.
One message, dated 1 January 2025, reads:
'I have arranged a meeting for Sibiya and the Minister. They must have a solution. The task team that came to your house and harassed you has been dissolved. They got the letter on Monday. As we speak, they are bringing all dockets to Sibiya.'
Mkhwanazi alleged that Matlala financially supported Mchunu's political activities, citing proof of payments for travel expenses and a gala dinner in Cape Town. He also claimed that Matlala, who held a R360 million police contract, was instructed to 'work on invoices' before his contract was abruptly cancelled in May.
Claims of interference in investigations
Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of obstructing the task team's work, particularly after it linked firearms recovered in Gauteng to multiple high-profile murders. He alleged that senior police officials were dispatched to disrupt an operation targeting the syndicate.
He further claimed that the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption seized evidence from the task team and arrested its project coordinator in a 'dramatic' move, which he suggested was an attempt to derail the investigation.
Sibiya's Response: No Truth' to allegations
Deputy national commissioner for crime detection lieutenant general Shadrack Sibiya, who was implicated in the alleged communications, dismissed Mkhwanazi's claims.
Speaking to the SABC Sibiya said: 'I'm very much disappointed and shocked.'
'I spoke with General Mkhwanazi on Friday, and all was well.'
He denied any wrongdoing, challenging Mkhwanazi to present evidence publicly.
If he knows of any criminal offence, he must open a case. I'm giving him permission to share the evidence with the media
Shadrack Sibiya
He accused Mkhwanazi of breaching police protocols by airing allegations publicly instead of following internal processes.
'What General Mkhwanazi is doing is embarrassing. We are not going to bend to his level. There is no truth in what he is saying.'
When pressed on whether there was a plot to remove Mkhwanazi, Sibiya denied the claim, stating: 'No one is aiming at General Mkhwanazi. He's been doing a good job.'
Mkhwanazi vows to continue fight against crime
Despite the controversy, Mkhwanazi insisted the task team remains operational and vowed to pursue those undermining law enforcement.
'We will fight this fight until the end. Whatever the end is,' he said.
I will not surrender the safety of our people to anyone.
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
He also raised concerns about drug trafficking syndicates operating through Durban's port, alleging they have infiltrated law enforcement and the judiciary.
Minister Mchunu has yet to publicly respond.
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