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Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) has welcomed a briefing by the acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, on the timelines of his Commission, that will investigate allegations of corruption in the police force and judiciary.
The allegations by KZN Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has since been placed on a leave of absence.
Casac Executive Director Lawson Naidoo says that it seems like work by the Commission has started behind the scenes.
“I thought it was a very useful briefing. It gave us the sense of where the Commission is at. They’ve hit the ground running. Justice Madlanga said that they’ve already commenced with their work. They’re awaiting the promulgation of the regulations that will go together with the terms of reference that were gazetted last week and the Commission will also have to establish its own rules for the inquiry itself, which will pertain to how witnesses are approached. I think we do have a sense that a lot of work has already commenced behind the scenes,” says Naidoo.
Madlanga Commission| First consultation already scheduled:
Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of being in constant contact with individuals linked to criminal activities. He also accused some senior police officials of being involved in corruption.
On Sunday, SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila described Mkhwanazi as courageous for exposing corruption in the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Mapaila was speaking in Madibidi, Mpumalanga, during the SACP’s interaction with residents.
He has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s establishment of a commission of inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
“We support the commission of inquiry but fundamentally, we support issues raised by General Mkhwanazi. We think he was brave enough and we want to appreciate that because the system has been chopped out for a long time. So, to find someone so senior in the police services, a general who we know (to be) quite effective to raise this question for the sense of frustrations, I can (assure) you that the way he came out, from my own security background. I can feel that if he didn’t say something there was something going to happen around him,” says Mapaila.
National Police Commissioner, Fanie Masemola has since confirmed that Mkhwanazi’s security has been increased following threats against him.
Mkhwanazi allegations | What the commission will investigate:
