Govt officials linked to Mkhwanazi’s claims must be arrested: Papo

ANC’s Provincial Task Team Coordinator Hope Papo addresses the media in Johannesburg on July 17, 2025.

The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng says government officials and leaders linked to the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi should be arrested and charged.

Speaking during a media briefing in Johannesburg, the ANC’s Provincial Task Team Coordinator, Hope Papo, says they fully support President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a commission of inquiry into Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

One of the allegations is that a drug syndicate operating in Gauteng has infiltrated the judiciary, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Metro police.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has since been placed on leave of absence, as well as the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, General Shadrack Sibiya.

Papo says once evidence has been provided, the law must take its course. “Remember, Gauteng has been closing some of the drug factories even before Mkhwanazi announced. There are a number of so-called factories which were impounded by the police in Gauteng. If there are more, our view is that they must be closed.”

“Those who are involved in those factories must be arrested, charged, and sentenced to jail, that’s our position. Even what he has mentioned. If it’s there and he’s going to provide evidence, that factory must be closed and those associated with it must actually be arrested, including the syndicate operating, any official, any leader who’s associated with criminality; the law must take its course. They’re clearly not sent by the ANC, or any government department, to do that,” Papo adds.