The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially launched an investigation into KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, over allegations that he interfered in the arrest of a senior correctional services official.
IPID confirms it’s investigating Mkhwanazi
The case stems from a 2023 incident in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, where Mkhwanazi is accused of obstructing law enforcement efforts.
In a statement released on Sunday, IPID confirmed that Mkhwanazi has been given until 19 March 2025 to submit a sworn statement responding to the allegations.
The watchdog clarified that the complaint against Mkhwanazi came from an anonymous whistleblower, rather than from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, as previously suggested in an internal IPID letter.
While IPID has not disclosed further details about the investigation, it emphasised that all its probes are conducted independently and impartially.
“The investigation is still in its infancy stages, and IPID will only engage on the matter once the investigation is concluded.” the watchdog wrote.
The Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi case: Here’s what you must know
Mkhwanazi is facing scrutiny following allegations that he interfered with an investigation into corruption at Westville Maximum Prison.
The allegations are linked to a raid that took place at the facility in August 2024, during which law enforcement officials discovered illegal contraband, including drugs, cash, and mobile devices.
Reports suggest that Mkhwanazi intervened in the arrest of a senior correctional officer suspected of involvement in smuggling operations within the prison.
According to sources, he questioned whether evidence was being planted and called for an internal review of the officers who led the raid. While some view his actions as an attempt to ensure due process, others suspect that he may have been protecting individuals involved in the alleged smuggling operation.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has distanced himself from the IPID probe, confirming that he was not the one who filed the complaint against Mkhwanazi. In an official statement, Mchunu welcomed IPID’s clarification and reaffirmed his support for law enforcement efforts across the country.
“I have not laid any complaint against Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi,” Mchunu said.
“At all material times, the Ministry of Police works to uphold the rule of law and will do everything to strengthen mechanisms to fight against crime.”
Mchunu acknowledged Mkhwanazi’s role in combating crime in KwaZulu-Natal and stated that his efforts, along with those of other provincial commissioners, were duly recognized by the ministry.
This is not the first time Mkhwanazi has been at the centre of controversy.
During his tenure as acting national police commissioner in 2012, he made headlines for suspending former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, despite political pressure to keep him in office.
In the same period, Mkhwanazi himself faced accusations of misusing state funds to purchase vehicles, though he maintained that he was open to investigations into his conduct.