Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler-Barnard says she believes her relationship with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi deteriorated after she reported him to the Public Protector.
Kohler-Barnard was questioned on her belief that Mkhwanazi accused her of unlawfully sharing classified intelligence information. She was testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within the justice system.
During her testimony, Kohler-Barnard said that while Mkhwanazi’s expertise was widely recognised, concerns existed about his administrative capabilities, which she described as a critical component of his role.
She told the committee that she initially gave Mkhwanazi the benefit of the doubt following his appointment. However, she said issues later emerged that prompted her to report him to the Public Protector and recommend his removal.
“I have taken similar action against others where I believed there was wrongdoing,” Kohler-Barnard said. “I think he took it very personally. That is the only reason I can think of.”
She suggested that this incident may explain why Mkhwanazi later accused her of sharing classified information without authorisation.