General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Refuses To Shake Hands at Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Viral Clip

• The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi caused a stir online when he refused to shake hands at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
• Mkhwanazi appeared on the first day of the public hearings and testified to the condition of the country's criminal
• South Africans shared different views, and some believed that Mkhwanazi did not trust anyone at the public hearings

With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of the Current Affairs desk, South Africa, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.

PRETORIA, GAUTENG — The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi caused a buzz on social media with his seemingly refusing to shake hands at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's public hearings in Pretoria, Gauteng, on 17 September 2025.

Social media user Africa Research Desk posted a video of Mkhwanazi on his @MightiJamie X account. The video was taken at the Brigitte Mabundla Justice College in Tshwane. Mkhwanazi was the first witness to testify at the Commission of Inquiry.

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The short video shows Mkhwanazi walking away after he had given his testimony. An unidentified person approaches him and extends his hand to shake Mkhwanazi's hand. Mkhwanazi stares at the man for a few moments before offering his fist. The two then fist-bump.

View the X video here:

What did Mkhwanazi say in his testimony?

In his testimony, Mkhwanazi said that the justice system is on the brink of collapse. He said that this was why he held the press briefing on 6 July in Durban, where he made allegations of political interference in the criminal justice system.

Mkhwanazi said that the statement he read during the briefing was the work of collective efforts by various units within the South African Police Service who wanted a resolution to the issues plaguing the justice system.

What you need to know about the Madlanga Commission

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Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says criminal justice system faces risk of collapse during Madlanga Commission

• President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Commission of Inquiry and suspended Senzo Mchunu as the police minister
• Political parties reacted to his decision to establish the Commission and slammed him
• The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said that the inquiry would set taxpayers back at R147.9 million
• Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi suspended two senior officials after the Madlangs Commission was delayed
• The Commission also announced that Mkhwanazi would appear before the Commission and testify

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on X were amused.

Sovereign Ado said:

"General Mkhwanazi is correct in taking steps to protect himself, especially in light of who he is testifying against."

X Fuze said:

"No matter how smiling or friendly they appear to be, don't let them get any closer or touch you."

He who laughs said:

"Maybe he meant no harm, but understand that the General's life is at risk. He has to take all precautionary measures."

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Jackie Phamotse reacts to Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi bringing his own water to Madlanga Commission

Mavusana said:

"Mkhwanazi is the real deal. All police officers were supposed to be like him."

Sidwell Nomfele said:

"I'd do the same because the stakes are high, and just a slight mistake and you might be killed."

Mkhwanazi sues Paul O'Sullivan

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Mkhwanazi filed a lawsuit against forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan to the tune of R5 million. He said O'Sullivan made false accusations against him.

Mkhwanazi alleged that O'Sullivan accused him of being a corrupt thug operating a hit squad. South Africans applauded Mkhwanazi's steps.

Source: Briefly News