Mkhwanazi reveals former Police Minister Bheki Cele allegedly tried to interfere in internal police disciplinary matter

Former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, allegedly tried to interfere in an internal police disciplinary matter, in an attempt to safeguard Crime Intelligence spy boss, Feroz Khan.

This was revealed by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Friday.

Mkhwanazi alleges that Cele attempted to persuade Major General Jabulani Khumalo, a district commander in KZN to leave SAPS to help him assist Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, in fighting crime in the province.

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This after Khumalo was appointed to chair a disciplinary involving Khan over a massive 2021 Gauteng cocaine bust.

Mkhwanazi alleges that Cele was attempting to shield Khan from possible disciplinary action related to the bust.

Khan was accused of meddling in a legitimate drug bust where two police officers were arrested.

Khan accused his rivals of trying to steal the drugs in a "rip-off" operation.

Mkhwanazi said the senior officer, Jabulani Khumalo, was appointed to chair the disciplinary hearing against Khan last year.

"Cele is pursuing Khumalo to resign from the police so that he can stay away from the disciplinary case because he was appointed to deal with that case, departmentally against General Khan."

Mkhwanazi said this upsets him.

"Can really general Cele go to the extent of wanting a person to resign from the SAPS because he wants to protect someone? It was really strange, I did not talk to Cele from that day."

Mkhwanazi was eventually appointed to chair the disciplinary process and ended up clearing Khan on all charges.

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