KZN's top cop under scrutiny for 'interfering' in case

KwaZulu-Natal's top cop, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is in hot water for allegedly abusing his power.

- Faizel Patel

It is claimed he interfered in the arrest of a senior department of correctional services official who is accused of running a drug cartel at the Westville Prison.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has lodged a complaint with police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), over the claim.

Ipid gave Mkhwanazi a week to submit a sworn statement explaining his role in the matter after receiving Mchunu's complaint.

Lizzy Suping, Ipid spokesperson, was asked for comment.

In January, The Citizen reported that KZN police were urging people to stop spreading rumours about Mkhwanazi.

"Police refute the allegations and accusations contained in that vile communique as baseless, unfounded and a cheap attempt to create instability within the police machinery, not only in the province but nationally," provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said.