The Telegraph
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) has quashed rumors concerning a supposed arrest warrant for KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Social media speculation indicated that Mkhwanazi was near arrest due to allegations involving how suspects were handled by the political killings task team (PKTT).
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Various figures, including activist Fadiel Adams and violence monitor Mary de Haas, have previously asserted that members of the task team used harsh techniques to extract information from suspects.
Mary De Haas Presents Allegations to Parliamentary Committee
During her appearance before Parliament’s ad hoc committee last November, De Haas claimed that families had reported instances of alleged abuse by the PKTT throughout investigations.
“The abuses reported to me independently—psychological and physical. Tubing was utilized. This practice is common among many police officers, but it’s nearly normalized. These reports come from everyone who has interacted with the task team,” she stated.
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“Emotional and psychological abuse is more frequently directed toward targeted police officers. The emotional toll was significant. I have heard it all. One individual was coerced into providing false testimony against a former uMkhonto weSizwe member [not the political party].
“They often confiscate phones and conduct home searches without warrants—these practices are very common. This is illegal. The fabrication of evidence is a serious matter. It was routinely practiced.
“I’m hearing truly shocking accounts. Human suffering. Disturbing incidents.”
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NPA Denies Social Media Claims of Mkhwanazi’s Arrest
In response to increasing online speculation, Idac dismissed claims of Mkhwanazi’s impending arrest.
Idac spokesperson Henry Mamothame indicated that the claims were baseless and aimed at undermining law enforcement efforts.
“These rumors are evidently intended to disrupt and distract from Idac’s work, as well as the duties that Gen Mkhwanazi is carrying out in the battle against crime,” Mamothame stated.
“Citizens are encouraged to stay vigilant against misleading information circulating on social media platforms that aim to undermine and discredit law enforcement in the country.”
Mkhwanazi Previously Addressed Defeating The Ends Of Justice Allegations
The accusations against Mkhwanazi are not new.
Last November, Mkhwanazi informed the Madlanga commission that he was aware of a potential case regarding defeating the ends of justice that might be filed against him.
He revealed that he had been notified about the matter by Brown Mogotsi through a WhatsApp message dated 30 September 2024.
This situation involved guidance Mkhwanazi provided to a colleague about the protocols to follow during an arrest concerning the acting head of the Qalakabusha correctional centre in Empangeni, who was accused of having drugs and ammunition.
“I must clarify that my involvement stemmed from that incident, even though the drugs and ammunition discovered were outside the residence where she lived, which is a state house within a state facility,” Mkhwanazi explained to the commission.
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“I counseled the senior officer leading the operation on how to handle that situation while ensuring that justice is served, thereby avoiding illegal litigation against the organization for apprehending the incorrect individual.”
Mkhwanazi stressed that investigators must ascertain the ownership of the seized firearm and ammunition before making any arrests.
“Just because something is discovered in a location doesn’t imply it belongs to the person residing there,” he clarified.
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