KZN top cop’s future uncertain amid national commissioner’s legal woes

With KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s contract set to expire next week, speculation is mounting over who will manage the appointment of a new provincial top cop.

The appointment of a provincial police commissioner falls under the authority of the National Commissioner, in consultation with the Premier.

However, the Presidency is deliberating whether National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola should be suspended or placed on special leave as he prepares to appear in court.

This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued a summons to Masemola after he was linked to the controversial R360 million tender awarded to a company owned by alleged tender fraudster Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Before he was informed that he was under investigation, Masemola confirmed that he was finalising the extension of Mkhwanazi’s contract.

READ: Experts urge Ramaphosa to appoint acting top cop amid tender probe

However, it's currently unclear whether that process was concluded, with Mkhwanazi’s contract set to end in the next four days.

Independent policing expert Willem Els said that should an acting National Commissioner be appointed, they’ll need to be tasked with finalising the extension of Mkhwanazi’s contract.

"If he’s being replaced by an acting National Commissioner, then it is imperative that the acting Commissioner does that appointment because in acting, all the executive powers are made available."

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has backed the proposal to extend Mkhwanazi’s contract, while Mkhwanazi has also expressed interest in staying on.