Top cop Masemola: 'Mkhwanazi has no interest in politics'

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has dismissed suggestions that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is interested in politics.

Masemola also stated that Mkhwanazi is not interested in becoming the next head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.

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This rumour has been speculated to be the core of Mkhwanazi's dispute with the Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya.

Masemola was answering questions on his first day of testimony before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption and interference. Masemola took to the stand following Mkhwanazi's testimony on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"He definitely has no interest in politics. He's just a cop doing his work," Masemola said.

Masemola further explained that it would make no sense for Mkhwanazi to apply to head the Hawks due to his higher salary notch.

"Whoever gets appointed will go to the salary notch of Lieutenant-General Deputy Commissioner Francina Vuma, who is the most senior now," he testified.

"When you get to Mkhwanazi, he has been a Lieutenant-General for ten years, which means his notch is far more than the most senior Deputy. Practically, he can't be applying for a post where his salary will take a dip."