KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has sounded the alarm on the state of South Africa’s justice system, warning it faces “total collapse” without immediate intervention.
His testimony came Wednesday as he opened proceedings at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, led by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
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The commission, currently sitting at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, investigates alleged political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS), criminal networks operating within law enforcement, and the shielding of syndicates by officials.
Mkhwanazi Stands by Dramatic July 6 Briefing
Mkhwanazi made headlines in July when he held a media briefing dressed in Special Task Force camouflage, flanked by heavily armed officers.
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At the time, he declared he was in “combat mode” and ready to “die for the badge,” leveling serious allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya.
He accused Mchunu of political interference, including the alleged shutdown of a task team investigating political killings, claims both officials have denied.
During his testimony, Mkhwanazi confirmed the accuracy of his statements and explained the briefing’s origins. “Commissioner, on July 6, when I made this address to South Africans, it was because I wanted to inform the public about the challenges we face as the South African Police Service,” he said.
“These challenges involve criminality, political interference in our work, and corruption within the justice system, of which we are a part as law enforcement.”
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When asked if he authored the briefing alone, Mkhwanazi emphasized collaboration: “I must indicate that the July 6 briefing was the result of collective efforts by various units within the SAPS. It reflects the shared concerns of officers across different ranks who are committed to resolving these issues so we can serve with honor and dignity.”
Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Systemic Failure
Mkhwanazi highlighted the urgent need for interventions to prevent the collapse of the justice system. “It has been my aim to demonstrate that the criminal justice system has been under continuous threat and sabotage,” he said. “We believe it is at real risk of total collapse if nothing is done.”
He expressed hope that the commission would play a key role in addressing these issues. “Urgent and effective interventions are required,” Mkhwanazi said. “I believe this commission will play a very important role in helping us prevent the total collapse of the justice system in our country.”
He also acknowledged the support from the media and public following his July briefing. “I must thank the media in South Africa for giving us the platform to share our challenges with the public,” he said. “This led to the president establishing this commission, which we greatly appreciate. The commission will help us tackle the challenges we face in executing our duties.”
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Mkhwanazi concluded by noting that while his testimony addresses specific concerns raised on July 6, it represents just a portion of the broader issues affecting the public’s experience of the justice system.
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