Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s testimony could shake SAPS — here’s why politicians are panicking

South Africa’s political and policing arenas are gripped by a fierce dispute over when and where KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will give evidence. Two separate investigations — one initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the other driven by Parliament — are competing for his appearance, raising tensions across political lines.

At the heart of the contest lies the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The commission, established under presidential order, is due to begin hearing evidence on 17 September, with Mkhwanazi expected to testify for up to five days.

Meanwhile, Parliament’s ad hoc committee was set to launch its own proceedings this week. Its members were dismayed to learn that Mkhwanazi would be tied up at the Madlanga Commission, potentially delaying their hearings until October. Advocate Norman Arendse SC, the committee’s evidence leader, stressed that their framework required Mkhwanazi to be the first witness, yet his availability was now in question.

Allegations that rocked the police service

The urgency stems from explosive claims Mkhwanazi made in July. He alleged that a Gauteng-based drug cartel had infiltrated state institutions, including the South African Police Service (SAPS). He further accused former police minister Senzo Mchunu and then–Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of obstructing inquiries into political killings. Both men, placed on leave after the revelations, have strongly denied the accusations.

The allegations have raised fears of systemic corruption within law enforcement, making Mkhwanazi’s testimony pivotal for both the commission and Parliament.

Tempers flare in Parliament

The committee’s meeting on 10 September quickly descended into heated exchanges. EFF leader Julius Malema accused the body of being “toothless” compared with the presidential commission, insisting that Mkhwanazi be subpoenaed. “How can the originator of these allegations not appear before us first?” he asked.

ActionSA MP Dereleen James echoed his frustration, arguing that the committee had become an “underdog” to the Madlanga Commission. She warned that carefully planned terms of reference were being disregarded and called for a subpoena.

However, DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach struck a more measured tone, saying it would be “ideal” — though not strictly necessary — for Mkhwanazi to appear first.

In the end, the committee resolved to wait for Mkhwanazi and not compel him to attend immediately, postponing its start date.

With both bodies determined to hear from him, Mkhwanazi’s role is shaping up to be central in unravelling claims of high-level corruption and interference within SAPS. Whether Parliament’s inquiry will regain momentum or remain overshadowed by the Madlanga Commission is now the subject of sharp political debate.

For the commissioner himself, the coming weeks promise to be a high-stakes balancing act under intense public and political scrutiny.