South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged decisive action following a dramatic fallout within the country’s police leadership that has sparked concerns over political interference and national security.
The controversy erupted after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made damning allegations during a press briefing in Durban on Sunday.
Speaking from the SAPS provincial headquarters, Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of meddling in police operations and alleged links to a known criminal underworld figure currently facing prosecution.
The explosive claims have sent shockwaves through the country, prompting an immediate response from the Presidency.
In a statement issued late Sunday evening, the Presidency confirmed that President Ramaphosa had been briefed on the matter and is treating it with “serious urgency” due to its national security implications.
“The President is deeply concerned by the public nature of these allegations and the potential damage such a dispute could inflict on public confidence in the South African Police Service,” the statement read.
Ramaphosa urged all parties involved to show restraint, warning that open accusations and denials were harming the integrity and unity of the police service.
“The ongoing feud risks fragmenting SAPS at a time when unity and public trust are more crucial than ever,” he noted.
While calling for calm, the President made it clear that the matter would not be ignored.
He announced that upon his return from the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit—currently taking place in Rio de Janeiro and hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—he would outline the steps his administration intends to take to resolve the crisis.
The internal rift comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny over governance and transparency in South Africa’s security institutions.
Analysts warn that how the President handles the fallout could become a defining test of leadership as he seeks to balance political loyalties with a commitment to justice and accountability.
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