THE FUSE

The recent renewal of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s contract as KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner for another five years is a positive step for the province and the country at large .

At a time when South Africa faces immense challenges in law enforcement and public trust, steady leadership is crucial. Mkhwanazi’s continued presence brings much-needed stability to policing in KZN, reinforcing the fight against violent crime, including political killings and corruption at provincial and national levels .

A Track Record of Integrity

Mkhwanazi has become synonymous with integrity and transparency. His track record of exposing entrenched problems within the police service has been instrumental in strengthening accountability .

During his famous July 2025 media briefing, he made damning allegations against high-ranking police officials and politicians, including since-suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, police deputy head Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, and members of the judiciary. He accused them of aiding criminal syndicates, involving themselves improperly in investigations, and obstructing justice .

His claims gave rise to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and an ad hoc parliamentary committee investigation .

Exposing Deep-Seated Problems

Without Mkhwanazi’s fearless leadership, the public might never have learned about the “skeletons” in the closets of powerful figures—including alleged controversial cosmetic surgeries for some female top cops that were allegedly paid for by alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, or the gift of impalas that Matlala allegedly made to Sibiya .

At the commission’s hearings, police sergeant Fannie Nkosi admitted he paid R500 to SABC journalist Natasha Phiri in exchange for information. Phiri has since been placed on precautionary suspension by the SABC .

Even more alarming have been the details of how some top police officials have become entangled with criminal networks. These revelations have shocked the nation and underlined the urgent need for reform and vigilance .

A Clear Signal

Renewing Mkhwanazi’s contract is a clear signal that the government values steadfastness and boldness in rooting out corruption. It also reassures citizens that the fight against crime is being led by someone with an unflinching commitment to justice .

Mkhwanazi has accused Mchunu of being influenced by criminal cartels to disband the Political Killings Task Team, as they thought it was investigating them after raids that took place at two alleged cartel members, Katiso “KT” Molefe and Matlala, in December 2024 .

What Comes Next

As KZN continues to grapple with complex security challenges, the province and the country will benefit greatly from the stability and renewed momentum that Mkhwanazi’s leadership provides .

This decision must now be matched by ongoing support and resources for the commissioner and his team. Only then can South Africa truly turn the tide against crime and corruption, restoring faith in the institutions meant to protect us all .

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is investigating a telephone interview between eNCA and inmate Jermaine Prim, who has made serious allegations against Gayton McKenzie, the leader of the Patriotic Alliance.

McKenzie says he will take legal action in response.

The dispute became public after Prim’s name came up during a parliamentary committee hearing. The committee is looking into claims made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

During the hearing, MK Party MP David Skosana asked Mkhwanazi about a letter written by Prim. The letter has not been released in full. In it, Prim says he shared a prison cell with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman accused of murder, and that they had conversations which he wrote down. Mkhwanazi said the letter is hearsay.

Prim also claims in the letter that he has a voice recording linking McKenzie to drug dealers and illegal money.

In the eNCA interview aired on Saturday, journalist Heidi Giokos spoke to Prim about his relationship with McKenzie. Prim said he met McKenzie around 2012 through an associate named Mario “Ikit” Darzis, and they reconnected in 2020 after the death of Nathaniel Julies. Julies was a 16-year-old with Down syndrome who was shot by police in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, in August 2020.

Prim said the case was close to his heart because his children live near the Julies family. He claimed McKenzie asked him to help run a social media campaign for the party’s by-elections. Prim said he ran the campaign and invested money, helping the PA win the Riverlea by-election. He said their relationship later broke down over an unpaid debt.

Prim also made a more serious claim. He said McKenzie sent him two phones while he was in prison. He alleged that McKenzie tried to silence him and that the reason he was placed in C-Max was because of McKenzie. Prim also claimed McKenzie has ties to drugs and was having problems with drug suppliers. He said he has bank statements and emails showing McKenzie owes him money. He also called McKenzie a “proxy” for the Big Five.

McKenzie said he will take legal action against the national commissioner and minister of correctional services, eNCA, its editor, and Heidi Giokos personally. He also said he will report the matter to the Broadcasting Ombudsman.

The Patriotic Alliance said the allegations are false. The party said a convicted fraudster does not become a credible whistleblower just by making louder claims, even with help from the media. The party said Prim has a history of deception and impersonation, including impersonating the head of the National Prosecuting Authority. They said no credible evidence has been produced to support his claims.

The PA also pointed to a 2022 report in the Mail & Guardian that described Prim running a fraud syndicate from prison using cloned phone numbers. The DCS has confirmed Prim did not follow proper channels. McKenzie said the same thing happened last year through the same news channel and journalist, with no evidence presented then or since.

McKenzie said he does not know the so-called Big Five and denies any links to them.

The DCS also condemned the phone interview with Prim at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre and said a full investigation is underway. They said the interview was not approved by the national commissioner and broke standard procedures.

eNCA news director Lukhanyo Calata said the channel cannot comment at this stage.