Cop caught in MK colours – Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi orders for his removal

by Staff Bona

A KwaZulu-Natal police constable has been suspended from all operations after being spotted in MK party regalia and allegedly engaging in political activities linked to Jacob Zuma’s party.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi ordered the officer’s removal, stressing that police must remain neutral and apolitical.

“The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has instructed the District Commissioner of King Cetshwayo to immediately withdraw a police Constable from the Ntambanana police station from all operations pending investigation into his alleged involvement in politics,” KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said.

He added: “Police officers are expected to be apolitical and neutral at all times. Any association with a political party by a police officer has the potential of bringing the name of the organisation into disrepute,” Robert said.

The SAPS Act explicitly prohibits officers from supporting or associating with political parties, including wearing party symbols.

In addition, the officer is under investigation for allegedly owning a private security company that provides VIP protection, which is also banned for SAPS members.

Authorities have urged the public to report police officers involved in politics or prohibited industries.

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First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: WATCH: Here is how fame cost Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi his privacy