The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has requested that it be given space to investigate “power allegations” against Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
IPID said its investigations following a complaint that Mkhwanazi allegedly interfered with the arrest of a Senior Correctional Official is underway.
“The alleged incident occurred in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, in 2023. IPID has requested the Provincial Commissioner to submit a sworn statement by 19 March 2025,” said IPID spokesperson, Lizzy Suping.
Suping further sought to dismiss media reports that Mkhwanazi’s investigation was requested by police minister, Senzo Mchunu.
“It should be noted that the letter written to Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi by IPID’s Acting Head of Investigation, that the police minister requested IPID to investigate the Provincial Commissioner, was erroneously written.
“The investigation is as a result of an anonymous complaint from the public,” remarked Suping.
“The Directorate emphasised that that although it receives complaints and tip offs from various sources, its investigations remain “independent and impartial.”
Meanwhile, in a statement, Mchunu distanced himself from reports linking him to Mkhwanazi’s probe.
“I do want to repeat that I have not laid any complaint against Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi, like all the other Provincial Commissioners, is working hard in the fight against crime in KwaZulu-Natal, and that is duly recognised by the Ministry of Police.
As an independent and impartial oversight body, IPID conducts its investigations without external influence, and its decisions regarding cases under its jurisdiction are made independently,” read the statement.
