Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Sibusiso Mkhwanazi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nhlanhla Sibusiso Mkhwanazi 5 February 1973 |
| Other names | Lucky Mkhwanazi |
| Education | National Diploma in South African Special Forces Operations National Diploma in Police Administration B-Tech Degree in Policing BA Degree in Policing |
| Alma mater | Technikon SA University of South Africa SAPS Special Task Force Academy |
| Occupation | Law enforcement official |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Employer | South African Police Service (SAPS |
| Known for | Leadership in SAPS, Special Task Force, acting National Police Commissioner |
| Title | Provincial Police Commissioner, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Spouse | Esethu Mkhwanazi(per some sources) |
| Children | 2–4 (per conflicting sources) |
Nhlanhla Lucky Mkhwanazi is a South African law enforcement official who is serving the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa as the Provincial Police Commissioner. He was born on February 5, 1973, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
He is a former South African Police Service (SAPS) Divisional Commissioner for Specialized Operational Response Services. He is also a former Head of Component and Commander of the elite police tactical unit of the South African Police Service, Special Task Force, colloquially known as the "Taakies", having qualified previously for the world renowned difficult selection and training process with the high attrition rate of 85% or more in some recruitment cycles. He served in the elite unit as a police special task force operator. He is a public figure known for his leadership roles in the South African Police Service (SAPS), and gained national recognition for serving as the acting National Police Commissioner.[1]
Career
[edit]Mkhwanazi has held several key positions within the South African Police Service (SAPS). He served as the acting National Commissioner of SAPS during a crucial period, addressing national security challenges and implementing law enforcement reforms. His leadership has been characterized by strong action against organized crime and corruption.[2]
In addition to his national roles, Mkhwanazi has contributed significantly to provincial law enforcement in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on crime prevention and improving community safety. He has been outspoken about the challenges of managing illegal immigration and its impact on crime in the region.[3]
Whistle blowing
[edit]On 6 July 2025, Mkhwanazi made damning allegations against high-ranking police officials and politicians, including Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and members of the judiciary. He accused them of aiding criminal syndicates, involving themselves in investigations and obstructing justice.[4][5]
Minister Mchunu released a statement that rebuffed the accusations as baseless, while President Cyril Ramaphosa released a statement that called for restraint from the national security cluster and promised to look into the allegations that were raised in regards to the matter. Police Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chair Ian Cameron (MP - Democratic Alliance) called for an investigation regarding the claims.[6][7]
Several marches were organized throughout South Africa by civil society organisations and opposition political parties in support of Mkhwanazi.[8][9][10]
On 14 July 2025 through a national address, the President of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa announced a Judicial Commission of enquiry into the allegations by Mkhwanazi and announced the placing on special leave of the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu.
On the 21 July 2025 SAPS arrested individuals relating to the murder of Oupa John Sefoka (Dj Sumbody), a well-known musician that Mkhwanazi had alleged Minister Mchunu involvement in hindering the arrests of the individuals.[11] [12][13]In July 2025 President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended the Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions following the allegations made by Mkhwanazi.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/statement-president-cyril-ramaphosa-establishment-commission-inquiry-allegations-regarding-law
- https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=21482
- ^ Teke, Zohra. "Exclusive: KZN Police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi taking the fight to the criminals sees him emerge as contender for top cop job". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ Ncwane, Nokwanda (2024-03-05). "Good cop, bad cop: The rise of Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in the SAPS". The South African. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ "Watch | KZN Police Commissioner's work pays off". www.enca.com. 2024-11-30. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ "Mkhwanazi implicates politicians, police in corruption, crime". SABC News. 6 July 2025.
- ^ Erasmus, Des (2025-07-06). "Mchunu denies disbanding political killings task team to shield politicians". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ Kgobotlo, Sihle Mavuso, Boitumelo (2025-07-07). "Police portfolio chair calls for probe into Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's claims". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Majadibodu, Simon (2025-07-07). "Police unions SAPU and POPCRU 'shocked but not surprised' by KZN police boss Mkhwanazi's explosive claims". IOL. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/hands-mkhwanazi-protesters-demand-action-not-another-commission
- ^ https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/news/durban-march-planned-for-tuesday-to-support-kzn-police-commissioner-nhlanhla-mkhwanazi-20250715
- ^ https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/mk-party-supporters-to-march-in-joburg-in-support-of-mkhwanazi/
- ^ Koko, Mongezi. "Four accused in DJ Sumbody murder back in court next week". EWN. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
- ^ Wicks, Jeff. "'DEATH SQUAD' | KT Molefe arrested for DJ Sumbody hit as murder web unravels". News24. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
- ^ Wicks, Jeff. "Sandton businessman arrested for DJ Sumbody hit". News24. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
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