Shocking claims by Mkhwanazi are a political tsunami

We don't need another commission of inquiry if KZN police commissioner has the proof

- ZOHRA TEKE

A FEW months ago, during an exclusive interview with IOL, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, dropped a few bombshells, but stopped short of revealing names - publicly at least.

In the interview, Mkhwanazi referred to politicians abusing the police secret fund which has an annual budget of R600 million. The fund is highly secretive with very little control. It's meant to be used to fund informants, covert police operations and safe houses for witnesses.

Mkhwanazi also revealed how some senior politicians and politically connected individuals were claiming thousands per month through contracts with the SAPS. Those politicians were allegedly offering their properties as safe houses. Except, says Mkhwanazi, many of those claiming were actually living in those properties and they were not used as safe houses - corruption masked as a valid contract.

Mkhwanazi knew who they were and was livid at their blatant abuse of position and powers. Some are parliamentarians and some are political heavyweights in KZN.

He also revealed his anger at the shutting down of the KZN investigative unit for political killings. He was outraged. That unit, claimed Mkhwanazi, was also hot on the heels of corrupt politicians. The killing of rapper AKA too was mentioned and links with connected individuals and drug cartels.

Now, three months later, Mkhwanazi has repeated some of those bombshell claims without dropping all names. But he has gone further. This time, he's unleashed his wrath and gone for the political jugular. National Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu and deputy National Police Commissioner, Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya were alleged to have interfered in investigations with Mchunu also accused of links to drug cartels. Damning accusations. Shocking claims and a perfect political tsunami. So much for a festive Durban July Sunday.