The political and policing crisis gripping South Africa deepened on Thursday as Parliament cut short the testimony of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s Chief of Staff, Cedric Nkabinde, after he made several contradictory statements before the ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Committee chairperson Xolile George confirmed that legal advice would be sought before Nkabinde is recalled to the witness stand. “There are inconsistencies in his version of events that require further clarification,” said George, as MPs expressed concern that Nkabinde may have misled Parliament.
Nkabinde is accused of lying about his ties to controversial businessman Brown Mokgotsi, a figure alleged to have influence in several high-level police appointments. During questioning, Nkabinde initially denied any association with Mokgotsi but later admitted to having interacted with him in a “professional capacity.”
The Chief of Staff also told MPs that he maintains a close friendship with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, admitting that they have “traveled together on personal errands.” His admission raised eyebrows, given ongoing investigations into claims of misconduct and political interference involving senior police officials.
Nkabinde’s testimony is expected to resume next week after Parliament’s legal services determine whether perjury charges or disciplinary action may be warranted.
‘I Will Die for You’: EMPD Chief’s Loyalty to City Manager Exposed
While Parliament grappled with Nkabinde’s conflicting testimony, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria heard explosive evidence implicating suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi in a web of political protection and patronage.
The Commission viewed a video from a 2023 EMPD Christmas party showing Mkhwanazi publicly pledging his life to then-city manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi, who has been accused of shielding him from disciplinary action despite multiple criminal and misconduct allegations.
In the video, Mkhwanazi can be heard saying, “We will die for you. Mina, I will take a bullet for you,” to which Mashazi replies, “Thank you so much.”
The footage was submitted by former Ekurhuleni head of employee relations Xolani Nciza, who testified that Mashazi routinely protected Mkhwanazi and rewarded his allies with salary increases of up to R600,000.
“Mkhwanazi expressed his gratitude and loyalty, saying she was like a mother to him — that she had not only saved his job but advanced his career,” Nciza told the Commission.
Nciza’s testimony aligns with earlier claims that Mashazi used her political influence to block investigations into Mkhwanazi’s alleged misconduct, including the establishment of a “rogue policing unit” operating outside EMPD’s legal authority.
Broader Concerns Over Political Capture
Both parliamentary and commission hearings form part of a broader national probe into allegations of corruption, political interference, and the criminal capture of policing structures.
Observers have expressed concern that the revelations highlight a culture of impunity within law enforcement and municipal management. Civil society groups have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration to take swift action to restore credibility to the police service.
Security analyst Dr. Palesa Mothapo says the developments reflect “a dangerous entanglement between political figures, police leadership, and criminal networks.”
“Whether it’s senior officials protecting allies or public servants misleading Parliament, this shows the erosion of accountability at multiple levels of governance,” she said.
As the inquiries continue, both Nkabinde and Mkhwanazi face mounting scrutiny — not only over their conduct but also over what their cases reveal about the state of South Africa’s policing institutions.