The Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption continues to uncover explosive details, with suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu facing intense scrutiny. The latest revelations involve a WhatsApp message from KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and a secret recording allegedly involving Mkhwanazi and Mchunu's Chief of Staff, Cedric Nkabinde.
Mkhwanazi's Plea for Intervention
Evidence leader Norman Arendse detailed a WhatsApp message where Mkhwanazi urged Minister Mchunu to request a meeting with the national commissioner and senior police officials. The message reportedly highlighted concerns within the police organisation, suggesting internal tensions and potential issues needing urgent attention.
Mchunu Claims Responsibility, Defends Disbandment
Mchunu has repeatedly asserted that he alone authored and signed the directive disbanding the political killings task team (PKTT). He maintains that he takes full responsibility for the letter's content and tone. He told the committee that the directive was routed through his chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde, and sent to adviser Vusi Pikoli and the acting national commissioner.
The Secret Recording: Threats and Tensions
The committee heard an audio recording allegedly between Mkhwanazi and Nkabinde discussing the disbanding of the task team. Mchunu stated that he instructed Nkabinde to record conversations with Mkhwanazi after Mkhwanazi allegedly threatened Nkabinde and made threats against Mchunu himself. Arendse questioned Mchunu about why Nkabinde secretly recorded Mkhwanazi without consent.
Mchunu Denies Criminal Links
Amidst the investigation, Mchunu has vehemently denied any connections to crime syndicates or criminally-implicated individuals. He also claimed that the PKTT was operating without proper coordination.
This ongoing saga raises serious questions about leadership, transparency, and accountability within the South African police force. The Ad Hoc Committee's investigation is far from over, and more revelations are anticipated in the coming weeks.