President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed grave concern over the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. These allegations relate to a criminal syndicate involving the police minister and high-ranking police officials.
While attending the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ramaphosa released a statement emphasising that these allegations are a matter of grave national security concern and have been given the highest priority attention.
President Ramaphosa urged all parties involved to exercise discipline and restraint, cautioning that the exchange of accusations and counter-accusations could erode public confidence and create confusion. He further stressed the importance of safeguarding the country’s security services and upholding the rule of law.
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ON STATEMENTS BY SAPS KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER
President @CyrilRamaphosa has noted statements made earlier today in a media briefing by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.…
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 6, 2025
The controversy began when General Mkhwanazi held a press briefing on July 6, 2025, where he accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering with police investigations and being associated with individuals of questionable character.
General Mkhwanazi also alleged that Mchunu was behind the disbandment of a task team probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, which had uncovered a syndicate involving politicians, law enforcement officers, businesspeople, prosecutors, and members of the judiciary linked to a drug cartel.
Mchunu has since dismissed General Mkhwanazi’s claims, calling for concrete evidence and action instead of public statements. President Ramaphosa will outline the next steps upon his return from the summit.
Social media users raised concerns as they flooded the comment section:
We don’t need another enquiry.This is going to reveal if you are really on the side of the citizens or the criminals.If you are really serious about dealing with corruption you must start by cleaning up your house from Simelane,Minister of higher education and Senzo because you…
— Lorrenzo Diego (@lorrenzom) July 6, 2025
It seems that the focus is at the fact that Mkhwanazi decided to speak… not the amount of crime he exposed
— EarnFormation 🇿🇦 (@Thabang_Lents1) July 6, 2025
We have lost confidence in your presidency, and know that you have chosen to support thugs in your political party.
Save your energy for them, as we don’t trust you anymore.
— Corruption-Hater 🦅🇿🇦🦁 (@MadiBoity) July 6, 2025
Also see: Proposal to rename SA to ‘Azania’ sparks controversy
