KwaZulu-Natal’s police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu
THE head of police in KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has vehemently defended himself against allegations of corruption, responding to claims that he obstructed the arrest of a senior official linked to a drug cartel operating within the Westville prison.
Emerging reports suggested that Mkhwanazi had misused his authority concerning the arrest of the implicated official from the Department of Correctional Services. This allegation ignited widespread discussions, particularly on social media, prompting Mkhwanazi to take a definitive stand against what he described as “baseless” accusations.
In an interview with SAFM on Monday, Mkhwanazi explained the context surrounding the police operations, noting that law enforcement had received intelligence regarding a residence within the prison premises allegedly used for drug storage.
However, he stated that a subsequent search yielded no drugs at the location; instead, substances were discovered within a communal bin outside the facility. He maintained that the police lacked sufficient evidence to justify an arrest at that time.
“It is vital to clarify that proper protocols were not adhered to during the raid,” said Mkhwanazi in a statement.
The KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, issued a scathing rebuke of the allegations, labelling them as a “cheap attempt to create instability” within both the provincial and national police frameworks. He emphasised the recent successes of the police force in combating organised crime, asserting that these unfounded claims aim to sow discord among officers.
“The relentless pursuit of organised criminal factions has understandably made some of these individuals uncomfortable,” Netshiunda said, adding that the police's efforts have resulted in many dismantled crime networks.
He said that the current accusations could be viewed as a desperate attempt by some in the criminal world to regain control through public perception.
In his strong response, Mkhwanazi encouraged police officers to stay focused on their mission, reiterating the importance of bringing justice to victims of crime.
“These are challenging times that follow a period of notable achievements,” he remarked, addressing the internal and external pressures faced by law enforcement.
“I remain concentrated on my duties and urge my colleagues to do the same. We are entrusted with the safety of KwaZulu-Natal's residents and their property, and we must not be swayed by unfounded threats and accusations,” he concluded.
This unfolding saga in the KwaZulu-Natal police force highlights the ongoing struggles against allegations of corruption in law enforcement and the critical need for transparency and accountability within the ranks. As the narrative continues to evolve, the region watches closely to see how these disputes will impact police operations and community trust in law enforcement.
DAILY NEWS