Ramaphosa to address the nation on Mkhwanazi allegations on Sunday
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address South Africans on Sunday evening, following explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The president, who was in Brazil attending the BRICS summit when the revelations emerged, has since returned to South Africa and is expected to “take the nation into his confidence” at 7pm on Sunday, July 13.
General Mkhwanazi shocked the nation during a press briefing last Sunday, accusing Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of obstructing justice and derailing key investigations into political assassinations and organised crime.
He claimed Sibiya seized over 120 high-profile dockets, allegedly without authorisation from either national or provincial commissioners.
Further allegations implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, linking him to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a suspect in serious criminal cases.
Matlala, despite the gravity of the allegations against him, is said to be enjoying political protection while securing lucrative SAPS contracts.
The Presidency confirmed Ramaphosa has been fully engaged with the matter since returning from Brazil.
Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated, “President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence.”
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has laid criminal charges against both Mchunu and Sibiya.
The charges include obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and interference with police operations.
MK Party MP Mazolman Skosana confirmed their legal action: “What we did, we exactly opened a case against Minister Senzo Mchunu and Sibiya based on what we were told by General Mkhwanazi. And General Mkhwanazi backed it up with some evidence.”
The Presidency has urged all involved parties to exercise restraint, warning that the ongoing public mudslinging risks further undermining public trust and creating confusion in a matter of national importance.
