Judiciary demands evidence from Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi over serious allegations

The Judiciary has called on KwaZulu-Natal police chief Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to provide proof to support the allegations he levelled against high-ranking officials during a press briefing at the weekend.

During his media briefing on Sunday and dressed in his Special Task Force camouflage uniform, Mkhwanazi implicated police minister Senzo Mchunu, his close associate Brown Mogotsi and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, as key and central tenets to the alleged interference in police operations, including the disbanding of a task team investigating political killings.

The Office of the Chief Justice said it has noted Mkhwanazi's recent remarks during which he alleged collusion between amongst others, the Judiciary and criminals.

"Such claims, made without substantiation, are extremely damaging to public confidence in the independence and integrity of our courts," the OCJ stated.

"In this regard, the Acting Secretary-General of the Office of the Chief Justice, has formally requested the National Commissioner of the SAPS and the Provincial Commissioner, Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi, to furnish evidence in support of these allegations and to lodge formal complaints, where warranted, with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and/or the Magistrates Commission," the OCJ added.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya stated that the Judiciary stands firm on its commitment to accountability.

"If any person, including Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, has credible evidence of unlawful or unethical conduct committed by a member of the Judiciary, they are urged to report such matters to the legally mandated structures of the State. Unsubstantiated allegations, however, regrettably undermine the administration of justice and weaken public trust in our institutions which are essential to upholding our constitutional democracy," she said.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL