Julius Malema has launched a strong public response against Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, escalating tensions between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and senior police leadership.
The remarks follow Mkhwanazi’s recent testimony before a parliamentary committee, where he made references to interactions involving Malema and senior police officials.
Dispute Stems from Parliamentary Testimony
During his appearance before an Ad Hoc Committee, Mkhwanazi claimed he had been introduced to Malema through Major General Feroz Khan and alleged that Malema facilitated a meeting with suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
The purpose of the meeting, according to Mkhwanazi, was to ease tensions within police leadership.
Malema, who was absent from the session due to a family bereavement, has since challenged these claims.
Malema Accuses Mkhwanazi of Being “Sensitive”
Speaking in a radio interview, Malema criticised Mkhwanazi’s conduct, describing him as overly sensitive and unwilling to accept criticism.
“Firstly, he is very sensitive. He thinks he can’t be criticised or that people must only say good things about him,” Malema said.
He also accused the commissioner of unnecessarily involving the EFF in matters unrelated to the party.
“We Will Not Be Intimidated”
Malema rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing and stressed that political leaders should not be intimidated by law enforcement.
“We will not be pushed around by a police officer. We have not broken the law,” he said.
He further took issue with Mkhwanazi raising allegations in his absence, saying it was inappropriate given that he was attending a funeral at the time.
Dispute Over Meeting and AKA Murder Case
Malema disputed Mkhwanazi’s version of how their meeting came about, insisting that the commissioner had initiated contact.
He claimed the meeting focused on progress in the murder investigation of Kiernan Forbes, who was killed in Durban in 2023.
According to Malema, Mkhwanazi indicated at the time that suspects had been arrested on unrelated charges and that further evidence in the case was still being finalised.
Claims of Internal Police Tensions
Malema also alleged that Mkhwanazi raised concerns during their meeting about interference from then police minister Bheki Cele.
In addition, Malema said some of his past public remarks about national police commissioner Fannie Masemola were based on information shared during that discussion.
These claims, if substantiated, could point to internal divisions within the police leadership.
Ndlozi Weighs In
Former EFF member Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has called for Mkhwanazi to be protected from what he described as “petty” attacks.
Malema dismissed the comments, maintaining his stance and reiterating that he is not intimidated.
“He must know I am not scared of a policeman,” Malema said.
Legal Context Adds Complexity
The dispute unfolds against the backdrop of a recent ruling by the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban involving businessman Calvin Mathibeli.
The court ordered Mathibeli to retract allegations of corruption and misconduct against Mkhwanazi, barring him from repeating such claims.
The judgment followed accusations that the commissioner had abused his authority — claims the court found insufficient.
Political and Institutional Tensions
The exchange between Malema and Mkhwanazi highlights growing friction between political figures and law enforcement leadership in South Africa.
It also raises broader questions about accountability, the role of police in political matters, and the limits of public criticism.
As Malema prepares to appear before the parliamentary committee, the dispute is expected to continue unfolding in both political and legal arenas.
