The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the clearing of Kwazulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), following a complaint that he interfered with the arrest of a senior Department of Correctional official’s arrest in 2023.
In March, IPID confirmed that they were investigating Mkhwanazi and raised concerns about the high level of crime in KwaZulu-Natal. The public and civil society groups heavily criticised the police watchdog for seemingly targeting Mkhwanazi, despite his crime-fighting efforts which have also thrust him into the spotlight given the high number of criminals murdered daily by police in the province.
IPID WITHDRAWS PROBE AGAINST NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI
In an interview with Eyewitness News, Mkhwanazi said it was odd that IPID’s probe came just days after he cleared crime intelligence counter and security head, Feroz Khan, during a disciplinary hearing in March.
Mkhwanazi maintained his innocence and accused IPID of targeting him because they failed to get Khan out.
“They can try whatever they will come up with. They will do this investigation, they can launch any other investigation that they want to, they have got a constitutional right to do that, I can’t stop them – but the truth will always come out,” he told the publication.
Reacting to the news, the EFF said this development affirms what they have long maintained: that the allegations were baseless and politically motivated, designed to derail a committed officer who has been unrelenting in his fight against crime and corruption.
The EFF reiterated its position that the complaint formed part of a broader witch hunt, orchestrated by forces within the Ministry of Police and other compromised element in law enforcement, who feel threatened by Mkhwanazi’s refusal to bow to political pressure.
“His principled leadership and fearless crackdown on criminal networks has made him a target for those who benefit from the chaos and lawlessness plaguing KwaZulu-Natal.
“The attempt to smear his name, based on an anonymous allegation that has now been quietly abandoned, reflects a dangerous abuse of state institutions. It is a tactic used to protect criminals by removing those who seek to expose them. This effort, allegedly led by a Minister who has repeatedly interfered in operational policing, must be condemned by all who believe in justice and good governance,” the party said.
PARTY CALLS FOR MINISTER TO CEASE POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
The party said the contradictory posture of IPID, first demanding a response from Mkhwanazi and now clearing him without comprehensive clarity, further undermines confidence in the independence of the country’s oversight institutions.
“It is clear that there was never a legitimate basis for this investigation, and the withdrawal of the investigation is a step in the right direction,” the Red Berets said.
The EFF also demanded that the Minister of Police “cease his political interference and his emerging tendency of making pronouncements on matters without thoroughly exploring their validity”.
“Law enforcement officers must be allowed to do their work without fear or favour. Commissioner Mkhwanazi must be supported, not sabotaged,” the Red Berets said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE IPID’S DECISION TO DROP THE PROBE AGAINST NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI?
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