Mkhwanazi vows to dismantle 'Big Five' cartel

KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says the alleged “Big five” cartel has been identified, with police making progress in tearing it apart.

Mkhwanazi made the remarks after his appointment to lead a national task team on organised crime in Durban.

The announcement came at the launch of a new forensic lab aimed at tackling the province’s severe DNA testing backlog.

Mkhwanazi has assured residents he will remain in his role as KZN police chief, saying the province is in safe hands.

The alleged cartel has been central to investigations by the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s SAPS Ad hoc committee.

The two platforms were established to probe claims of a compromised justice system infiltrated by criminal networks.

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But there’s been massive applause, especially for the Madlanga Commission, as its work has already resulted in arrests.

Mkhwanazi said police now know who the cartel members are.

The group is accused of infiltrating the South African police service and political structures for personal gain and is allegedly linked to assassinations and drug trafficking.

Mkhwanazi has vowed to dismantle the network as a matter of urgency.

His new role allows him to operate nationally, backed by a handpicked team and a budget of one billion rand for an initial year, with a possible extension.