Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Describes Criminal Threats As Terrorism, South Africans Applaud His Bravery
- Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi explained why he wore camouflage gear during his July press briefing
- The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner also described criminal elements as terrorists trying to take over
- South Africans shared their thoughts on Mkhwanazi's admission, praising him for his bravery in this situation
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Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – The time of sitting back and watching criminal elements infiltrate the criminal justice system is over.
That’s according to Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who continued testimony for the third day at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. The commission was established to look into allegations made by the Provincial Police Commissioner.
Before ending the first part of the commission, which was his testimony, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner explained the reason for his attire during his infamous press briefing on 6 July. Mkhwanazi wore camouflage gear and was flanked by armed officers during the briefing, but he explained that he did so because he was facing the enemy.
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“You really realise that you can no longer wear a tie and face this fight,” he said.
Source: Getty Images
Mkhwanazi warns of criminal elements trying to take over
KZN’s top cop explained that the fight was against the criminal elements that were trying to take over, describing them as terrorists.
“How do you deal with a terrorist? As I see it now, this is terrorism. It is people who want to take over government not through the ballot paper, but through criminal activities,” he stated.
You can watch his full explanation below:
What you need to know about Mkhwanazi’s appearance at the commission
- Mkhwanazi said that the criminal justice system faces the risk of total collapse.
- KZN’s top cop claimed that Vusimuzi Matlala’s vehicles were registered as State vehicles.
- Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi exposed how the justice system freed repeat offenders.
- Mkhwanazi said Matlala was pushing for General Shadrack Sibiya to be Hawks head.
- Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi accused the Presidency of interfering with investigations.
How did South Africans react to Mkhwanazi’s claims?
Social media users were impressed by KZN’s commissioner, praising him for standing up to the criminal elements.
Kelly Ntoi-Edson said:
“I’m speechless. What a fearless, calm leader. It will take 50 years for us to find another Mkhwanazi.”
Aobakwe Selao added:
“I’m getting emotional just listening to this brave man. Just thinking of the families who were directly affected by these criminals, and who to date still wonder what happened to their cases or the people who caused severe harm to them.”
Minnie Smit stated:
“Mkhwanazi knows that it is the responsibility of the police to protect citizens.”
Nanah Beata Nomaswazie Mlaba noted:
“I've never seen anyone speak as politely and eloquently as General Mkhwanazi. He's fearless and confident, and the commissioners are thoroughly impressed. I'm incredibly proud of the parents who raised him.”
Elvis Masupha said:
“That is so soothing, I've never heard such comforting and reassuring words for a long time in this country.”
Jabulani Aloe Mdaka exclaimed:
“What a brave man/ leader👏.”
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accuses Presidency
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said that the Presidency interfered with the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province for the benefit of a mining company. He made the revelation on the second day of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's public hearings on 19 September 2025.
According to Mkhwanazi, who spoke at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane, the Presidency interfered in the investigation of Nico Swart's murder in 2021. Swart was the general manager of Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) when he was murdered. Mkhwanazi had dispatched a team of detectives to assist in investigating Swart and other murder cases. However, the detectives were unsuccessful.
From press briefing to Madlanga Commission
Mkhwanazi's explosive press briefing on 6 July 2025 set off a chain of events that culminated in the Commission of Inquiry.
Mkhwanazi implicated top-ranking police officials and politicians in a wide-reaching criminal syndicate.
Briefly News details the timeline of events that led to President Cyril Ramaphosa establishing the commission.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
