NPA Addresses Rumors Regarding Arrest Warrant for KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) has refuted rumors about a supposed arrest warrant for KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Speculations on social media indicated that Mkhwanazi was nearing arrest due to accusations linked to the treatment of suspects during interrogations by the political killings task team (PKTT).
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Numerous individuals, including activist Fadiel Adams and violence monitor Mary de Haas, have previously claimed that task team members utilized harsh methods to elicit information from suspects.
Mary De Haas Raises Allegations Before Parliamentary Committee
During her appearance before Parliament’s ad hoc committee last November, De Haas claimed that families had reported examples of alleged mistreatment by the PKTT during investigations.
“The reported abuses—both emotional and physical—are concerning. The use of tubing is prevalent. Many officers resort to such tactics, making it almost a standard procedure. This information comes from reports shared by those who interacted with the task team,” she asserted.
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“Emotional and psychological abuse are often directed at targeted police officers. The extent of this emotional abuse is severe. I have heard harrowing accounts. One individual faced coercion to provide false testimony against a former uMkhonto weSizwe member [not the political party].
“Frequent seizures of phones and warrantless searches of homes are common practices—these practices are illegal. The fabrication of evidence is a critical concern; it is a widespread issue.
“I am hearing disturbing stories. There’s significant human suffering and deeply troubling incidents.”
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NPA Rejects Social Media Claims About Mkhwanazi Arrest
In response to the escalating online conjecture, Idac dismissed claims regarding Mkhwanazi’s supposed imminent arrest.
Idac spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated that these claims are baseless and aimed at hindering law enforcement efforts.
“These rumors clearly aim to disrupt and distract Idac’s work, as well as the duties that Gen Mkhwanazi undertakes in the fight against crime,” Mamothame said.
“We urge citizens to remain cautious about the false information that circulates on social media, which seeks to undermine and discredit law enforcement in our nation.”
Mkhwanazi Previously Addressed Defeating The Ends Of Justice Allegations
The allegations against Mkhwanazi are not recent.
In November, Mkhwanazi informed the Madlanga commission about a possible case regarding the defeat of the ends of justice that could be brought against him.
He revealed that he was informed about the matter by Brown Mogotsi through a WhatsApp message dated September 30, 2024.
The situation revolved around advice Mkhwanazi provided to a colleague on how to manage an arrest involving the acting head of the Qalakabusha correctional centre in Empangeni, who was accused of possessing drugs and ammunition.
“My involvement arose from that incident, although the drugs and ammunition discovered were located outside the residence where she lived—this was a state house within a state facility,” Mkhwanazi explained to the commission.
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“I advised the senior officer overseeing the operation on how to address the incident, ensuring justice was served and a thorough investigation conducted to avoid improper litigation against the organization for wrongly arresting an individual.”
Mkhwanazi stressed that investigators must ascertain the ownership of the recovered firearm and ammunition prior to making an arrest.
“Merely finding something in a location does not automatically imply ownership by the person living in that facility,” he clarified.
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