Key takeaways from Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's appearance before the ad hoc committee

Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing police corruption allegations wrapped up oral hearings with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Here are the key highlights:

On Motsumi and influence within policing

"Who is Mr Motsumi? That is the million-dollar question. I’m glad it’s being asked. When Major-General Senona and others first told me about Motsumi - his property, location and how he allegedly operates with others - they were hesitant, even afraid, to mention his name publicly.

That concerned me. Even when the name eventually surfaced during testimony, there was clear discomfort. We’ve now heard multiple references to Motsumi, including from Nkosi, who contacted me directly. I asked him: who is this person and why is he interested in me?

From what I can see, Motsumi appears to be a significant and powerful figure, both within and outside policing structures, despite not being formally employed by the police. There are suggestions that he may influence senior appointments, particularly within the DPCI. The fact that the media has not profiled him also raises questions about the extent of his influence."

On Lt-Gen Sibiya

"Based on the evidence I had before 6 July, and what I’ve since heard, I believe the allegations against Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya have merit. There cannot be peace between a police officer and a criminal. I can say clearly now: there can be no peace between me and General Sibiya."

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On reporting lines and internal processes

"My immediate superior is the National Commissioner, General Masemola. However, I must state that I lost confidence in internal processes. While formal complaint procedures exist, they are slow and in my view, ineffective.

I chose to go public because I needed urgent action. I contacted the Minister directly in January and again in April, but received no meaningful response. I also repeatedly engaged the National Commissioner, urging him to escalate the matter. While his approach differs from mine, I cannot say he neglected his duties, he may simply have chosen a more cautious route."

On the Minister and political influence

"In my view, the Minister was influenced by individuals with ulterior motives. The decisions taken - particularly around disbanding certain units, were not coincidental, but strategic. Evidence, including communications and actions taken, supports this conclusion.

For example, when investigators sought access to certain materials, there were delays and when the materials were eventually handed over, they had been wiped. This raises serious questions about what was being concealed."

On Crime Intelligence and internal corruption

"There are serious concerns about the misuse of Crime Intelligence resources, including secret funds. Investigations into some individuals were initiated but later stalled or reversed.

In some cases, individuals removed from positions were later reinstated. This undermines accountability and suggests systemic weaknesses. There are also concerns about unexplained wealth among some senior officials."

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On drug operations and evidence handling

There are troubling patterns in how drug seizures are handled. Police units often identify specific containers with drugs, allegedly based on intelligence from external sources. However, questions remain about what happens after these seizures.

Drugs are booked into evidence, then quickly moved and transported. This creates opportunities for tampering or diversion. These processes require urgent review and stronger controls.

On Durban Port and organised crime

The structure of the Durban Port presents vulnerabilities. Containers under customs control are often stored outside the main port area, making them susceptible to interference.

During unrest, specific containers - such as those carrying ammunition - were targeted and looted. This suggests prior knowledge and coordination. Despite being alerted, law enforcement response was inadequate.

On missing dockets and case mismanagement

There are serious irregularities in how case files are handled.

Some dockets appear to move between units without proper records, while official systems still reflect outdated locations.

This creates confusion and undermines investigations, making accountability difficult.

On oversight and IPID

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) lacks sufficient resources and independence. It relies on SAPS for crime scene management and forensic analysis, which creates a conflict of interest.

For effective oversight, IPID must be properly resourced and structurally independent.

On disbandment of specialised units

The disbandment of key crime-fighting units has had serious consequences. In my view, this decision was influenced by individuals seeking to weaken law enforcement efforts.

On broader criminal networks

The so-called “Big Five” cartel is only part of a much larger network. Organised crime operates across provinces and involves multiple actors.

These networks often exploit legitimate supply chains, using imported goods to conceal illegal items.

On personal risk

"I understand the risks involved in speaking out. I made a conscious decision to stand for the truth, knowing that it could affect me and my family. But I believe accountability is essential."

On reform and accountability

There are significant systemic failures within policing. Addressing them will require legislative changes, stronger oversight and collaboration between law enforcement and Parliament.

"We must work together to correct these failures and restore integrity to the system."