Mkhwanazi lifts lid on Gupta, Mthethwa influence in SAPS

KWAZULU-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has lifted the lid on alleged political interference within the SAPS, implicating former police minister Nathi Mthethwa and members of the Gupta family.

- JONISAYI MAROMO [e-mail]

Mthethwa, who later served as South Africa's ambassador to France, died in Paris last week. His death has cast a fresh spotlight on his years in government, particularly his tenure as police minister under former president Jacob Zuma - a period frequently dogged by allegations of political interference in the country’s security structures.

Appearing before Parliament's ad hoc committee in Cape Town, which is investigating corruption and maladministration within the police service, Mkhwanazi alleged that Mthethwa once pressured him to drop disciplinary action and criminal investigations against former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli. He told MPs that Mthethwa’s instructions were presented as “orders from above,” and that his refusal to comply created friction with senior political leaders.