Politicians in parliament involved in crime syndicate: Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

SABC News

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KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee that several sitting politicians are actively linked to organised crime networks operating in the province. According to Mkhwanazi, crime intelligence has gathered “irrefutable” evidence that these public representatives bankroll, protect and even direct criminal syndicates involved in assassinations, cash-in-transit robberies, extortion rackets and the lucrative taxi industry. He warned that the political connections give criminals advance notice of police operations, access to state resources and the confidence to eliminate witnesses.

The commissioner outlined how the province has become a focal point for politically motivated killings, recording hundreds of investigations in recent years. While specialised task teams have arrested dozens of hitmen and several suspected masterminds, convictions remain limited because witnesses are intimidated or murdered, often with the help of corrupt officials. Mkhwanazi said at least 62 licensed firearms traced to politicians or their bodyguards were recovered at crime scenes, highlighting the deep overlap between politics and violent syndicates.

Resource constraints and porous police vetting procedures exacerbate the problem. Mkhwanazi admitted that some officers collude with politicians, leaking sensitive information or destroying evidence. He appealed for stronger vetting, harsher bail conditions for serious offences, tighter firearm controls and increased funding for forensic capacity, surveillance technology and witness-protection programmes. Without these interventions, he cautioned, crime syndicates embedded in political structures will continue to destabilise communities and undermine confidence in state institutions.

Parliamentarians expressed alarm but urged Mkhwanazi to provide names and supporting documentation to the Hawks and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate so criminal charges can be pursued. The commissioner replied that disclosure in an open session would compromise ongoing operations, yet affirmed that the dossiers are ready for prosecutorial scrutiny. He concluded by stressing that rooting out corrupt politicians is indispensable to restoring public trust in both Parliament and the South African Police Service.

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