A parliamentary committee investigating political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS) has rejected Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s allegation that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi threatened him.
The ad hoc committee dismissed the claim on Tuesday after Mchunu failed to produce an audio recording he had previously cited as evidence of the threats against himself and his chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde.
The minister had told the committee last week that he instructed Nkabinde to record conversations with Mkhwanazi after the commissioner allegedly made veiled threats. However, under questioning on Tuesday, Mchunu admitted the specific threats occurred before the recording began.
“That part was said before they started recording, but it’s referred to in the conversation on the fifth time and acknowledged by them,” Mchunu stated.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema swiftly dismissed this explanation, asserting there was no evidence to support the minister’s claim.
“We must put it on record that the minister doesn’t have that recording and, therefore, that recording doesn’t exist,” Malema said.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane agreed with this assessment, ruling that the committee could not accept the minister’s claim without the supporting evidence.
“You are correct, Honourable Member, and that’s how we are proceeding. Is that understood, Honourable Minister?” Lekganyane said.
Mchunu then urged the committee to summon Nkabinde to testify and confirm his version of events.
The incident is part of Parliament’s ongoing inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference within SAPS. The hearings have placed several senior officials, including provincial commissioners, under intense scrutiny, highlighting growing tensions within the police service’s top leadership.
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