KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi returned to Parliament yesterday, delivering a blistering final testimony that laid bare the deep-seated divisions and allege “capture” within South Africa's security apparatus.

Appearing as the final witness before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption and political interference, Mkhwanazi did not hold back. From declaring a permanent rift with high-ranking colleagues to questioning the fitness of the Police Minister, the General's testimony marked a defiant end to the oral evidence phase of the inquiry.

The “Unfit” minister and the PKTT disbandment

One of the day's most significant moments involved Mkhwanazi's direct criticism of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Mkhwanazi asserted that Mchunu was “no longer fit to run this department,” citing the controversial decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in KZN.

The Commissioner's remarks were bolstered by a written submission from President Cyril Ramaphosa, which revealed that Minister Mchunu had failed to consult the Presidency before issuing the directive to disband the unit. Mkhwanazi reiterated his suspicion that the Minister had been “captured” by elements seeking to derail investigations into political assassinations.

Internal warfare: Mkhwanazi vs. Sibiya

The hearing also highlighted the complete collapse of professional relations at the top of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Mkhwanazi declared there would “never be peace” between himself and the suspended Deputy National Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya.

The two generals have traded explosive allegations for months, with Mkhwanazi accusing Sibiya of being co-opted by criminal syndicates, while Sibiya has countered that the friction is merely a “battle for succession” within the SAPS leadership.

The security clearance mystery

Addressing long-standing questions regarding his own credentials, Mkhwanazi confirmed to the committee that he currently does not hold top-secret security clearance. However, he placed the blame squarely on the State Security Agency (SSA) and Crime Intelligence.

  • The Claim: Mkhwanazi alleged that his clearance process has been intentionally stalled since 2018.
  • The Reason: He claimed he was “red-flagged” based on incorrect information from an IPID official who wrongly linked him to a 2013 “hit squad” case in KZN – a time during which Mkhwanazi was actually stationed in Pretoria.

Critique of the committee

In a move that ruffled feathers among the MPs present, Mkhwanazi accused some committee members of “prejudging” the evidence over the last six months.

“My understanding is that the committee's job is to listen to evidence, probe, and not make conclusions that certain things are wrong, or certain individuals,” Mkhwanazi noted, while still commending the committee for the “long hours” dedicated to the inquiry.

What will happens next?

With Mkhwanazi's testimony concluded, the Ad Hoc Committee will now:

  • Deliberate: Review the mountain of evidence and contradictory testimonies gathered since October 2025.
  • Report: Compile a comprehensive report with recommendations for the National Assembly.
  • Action: Determine if the findings warrant further criminal investigations or structural changes within the SAPS and Ministry of Police.