Ramaphosa to address nation over corruption claims against Police Minister

South Africa (RA) - Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, held an explosive press briefing last week, accusing senior police leadership of interfering in criminal investigations and corruption, and revealing links between political figures, prosecutors, police, and drug cartels.

Crime Crisis in South Africa

Mkhwanazi's accusations underscore a deepening crisis, as South Africa ranks among the world's most dangerous countries according to the World Population Review. KwaZulu-Natal, in particular, continues to be a hotspot for politically motivated violence and remains burdened by organized crime and unrest.

President Ramaphosa was in Brazil for the BRICS summit when General Mkhwanazi made a series of allegations during a media briefing. "President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19:00 on Sunday, July 13, 2025," the presidency said in a statement.

During a recent White House meeting with U.S. officials, Ramaphosa highlighted the urgent nature of South Africa's escalating crime epidemic.

The Accusations

Flanked by armed members of the Special Task Force and dressed in full official regalia, Mkhwanazi alleged that 121 case dockets were removed in early 2025 to protect politically connected individuals. He claimed that no investigations were conducted, as per instructions allegedly issued by Minister Mchunu through Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Mkhwanazi also outlined what he described as a plot to destabilize the South African Police Service by targeting National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and framing other senior officials.

Image: Mail & Guardian

The trail of corrupt top officials

Senzo Mchunu is not the first to face allegations of corruption. Former police minister Bheki Cele, while serving as National Police Commissioner, was once suspended for his involvement in a R1.7 billion unlawful lease deal for police buildings. Nathi Nhleko, who served as police minister between 2014 and 2017, was also accused of exonerating President Jacob Zuma in the Nkandla spending scandal. Jackie Selebi, another former police commissioner, was notably convicted of accepting bribes from convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti.

Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and ordinary South Africans have largely supported Mkhwanazi's decision to expose corruption within the police force.