SAHRC writes to Ramaphosa calling for commission of inquiry into interference in SAPS

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into interference in the police force.

This follows explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanzi, accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of orchestrating the collapse of the KZN political killings task team for personal gain.

Mkhwanazi broke ranks on Sunday during a media briefing at police headquarters in Durban.

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The KZN police commissioner accused Mchunu and deputy national commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, of meddling in operations to unravel the inner workings of a criminal syndicate by attempting to disband the KZN political killings task team.

Mkhwanazi said there was a cover-up of high-profile police investigations and senior police figures colluding with underworld figures, raising concerns about classified police files being compromised by people outside of the organisation.

The human rights commission said it viewed these allegations as a significant challenge for police, adding to growing calls for urgent action for the claims to be tested.

On Monday, Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to personally deal with the matter.