KZN police commissioner fires scathing claims at police minister
'In the year 2024, a request was received from the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit to assist with the investigation to dismantle the organised crime syndicate operating in KZN and throughout the country.
'The provincial commissioner of KZN decided to deploy 10 members from the Political Killings Task Team to support the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
'This investigation has unmasked the syndicate, which involves politicians, law enforcement (SAPS, Metro Police and Correctional Services), prosecutors and the judiciary, and is controlled by a drug cartel as well as business people,' claimed Mkhwanazi.
He highlighted that evidence had been found in cellphone records linking Police Minister Senzo Mchunu with some accused senior officers.
The minister has rejected the 'baseless allegations' by the KZN police commissioner.
Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said: '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. We will be reviewing the provincial commissioner's statements and considering appropriate action. All these statements made by him in public require an urgent, thorough and transparent investigation on a proper platform.'
Political parties are calling for the recusal of the minister and urgent action from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said: 'This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention. It is vital that the integrity of the country's security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.
'All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint. The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion. Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police.'
Ramaphosa will outline the actions to be taken on this matter on his return from the Brics Leaders' Summit currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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