KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to account for what he describes as a deeply irregular investigation that was launched against him and later quietly withdrawn.
Speaking exclusively to IOL, Mkhwanazi said IPID must explain to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry why it initially announced an investigation into him in 2025, allegedly on the instructions of then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, only to later deny this and abandon the probe without explanation.
“IPID must explain to the commission why it launched and then withdrew an investigation against me – and why it said it was acting on instructions from then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and later denied this,” Mkhwanazi said.
The Madlanga Commission, which is probing allegations of corruption and political interference within the police and judiciary, has already submitted a preliminary report to President Cyril Ramaphosa, though its work is ongoing.
Conflicting versions from IPID
According to Mkhwanazi, two IPID officials claimed they had received a formal complaint about him from Mchunu, which prompted the watchdog to announce an investigation into the provincial police chief.
However, the narrative later shifted.
IPID subsequently claimed the investigation had been initiated following an anonymous complaint, before the matter abruptly went silent.
“Those individuals must appear before the commission and explain why they signed a letter confirming they received a complaint about me from the minister,” Mkhwanazi said.
He further revealed that IPID’s acting head later travelled to Durban and personally handed him an unsigned letter, informing him that the investigation had been withdrawn and that he no longer needed to submit a response.
“My reputation was questioned, and since then, I have received no explanation. The matter needs answers,” Mkhwanazi added.
IPID response
When approached for comment, IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the watchdog had been mentioned several times during the commission’s proceedings and may still engage with the inquiry.
“The Commission would be better placed to confirm who is on their witness list,” Suping said.
IPID has repeatedly declined to comment further on the withdrawn investigation, stating only that the matter was not complete.
Scrutiny over IPID’s independence
IPID’s role has come under intense scrutiny, with allegations that it has been captured by private forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, who is currently embroiled in a defamation lawsuit with Mkhwanazi.
In his testimony before the Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi called for O’Sullivan to be investigated, alleging that he coordinated, planned and controlled IPID operations from his home.
Former IPID head Robert McBride, testifying before parliament’s ad hoc committee, acknowledged consulting O’Sullivan during his tenure but denied that IPID had been captured.
McBride described O’Sullivan as trustworthy and accused Mkhwanazi of interfering in IPID investigations — a claim the police commissioner has denied.
O’Sullivan refuses to testify
O’Sullivan has rejected Mkhwanazi’s allegations and has instead called for an inquiry into the KZN police chief and his removal from office.
He has refused to appear before both the Madlanga Commission and parliament’s ad hoc committee, citing fears for his life following Mkhwanazi’s accusations.
Mkhwanazi insists this is unacceptable.
“He has a case to answer and must appear before those asking questions,” he said.
Political fallout continues
Mkhwanazi welcomed the commission’s preliminary report but declined to comment on Mchunu’s position, noting that the former minister is not implicated in the initial findings, which recommend criminal investigations against 14 police officials.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has said Mchunu’s fate will only be decided once the inquiry is finalised and he has responded to the allegations.
Mchunu was suspended following Mkhwanazi’s explosive testimony linking him to criminal syndicates. Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was also suspended amid allegations of interference in the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
The absence of findings against both men in the preliminary report has sparked widespread criticism on social media.
ActionSA MP and ad hoc committee member Dereleen James publicly questioned the omissions, writing:
“Please excuse me while I search for Sibiya and Mchunu’s names on the list of referrals for investigation.”
Commission still ongoing
The Madlanga Commission’s final report is expected to address unresolved issues, including IPID’s conduct and the alleged political manipulation of law-enforcement structures.
Mkhwanazi says he remains committed to cooperating fully.
“I respect whatever findings emerge from the inquiry and welcome them,” he said.
