KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says he knew the risks to his life and family when he spoke out, but chose truth anyway.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says he chose to speak the truth on July 6, knowing it could affect his family and put his life at risk, but he is not afraid of dying.
Mkhwanazi made the remarks during his final appearance before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, where he responded to allegations against himself and the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
His testimony follows his explosive media briefing on July 6, 2025, which triggered a parliamentary inquiry into alleged corruption, political interference and institutional capture within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During that briefing, he implicated several senior officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, and suspended deputy national commissioner for crime detection Shadrack Sibiya.
The top cop was responding to a question from MK Party MP and committee member Sibonelo Nomvalo, who asked whether his life and that of his family had been in danger following the July 6 briefing.
Nomvalo also said that some have characterised Mkhwanazi as a hard and uncompromising individual.
Mkhwanazi said he was not “afraid to die.” He previously made similar remarks during the July 6 explosive media briefing that he “will die for the badge.”
“We all shall die. Nobody will live forever. It depends how you die as a person,” he said.
“I’m not necessarily worried about dying. If death gets me, it will get me. That’s why I can still walk here and deal with explosives. That’s why I can go skydiving. Anything can happen.”
He added that death is inevitable.
“That’s why I can still fly from one point to another without worrying that the aeroplane will crash. Death will catch us all,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that his life has changed significantly since the briefing.
“I can’t easily walk around anymore with my children or sit in a restaurant and have a meal. People approach you everywhere,” he said.
He added that he values his freedom and does not enjoy being constantly guarded.
“That’s why I’ve said those who might be planning something must move with speed if it happens,” he said.
Addressing claims that he made the July 6 revelations to secure a contract extension, Mkhwanazi dismissed the suggestion.
“That is not true,” he said.
He explained that when he moved to KwaZulu-Natal, it was never his intention to stay long-term.
“I thought I would do my bit and leave the organisation,” he said.
Mkhwanazi said SAPS approached him in December to extend his stay, after which he consulted his family before responding.
He joined SAPS in 1993 as a student constable at the age of 20, initially serving in Public Order Policing. In 2005, he was appointed head of the Special Task Force, the service’s elite operations unit responsible for specialised operations including the National Air Wing and National Intervention Unit.
In 2011, he was appointed component head of specialised operations at major general level. Later that year, he was named acting national police commissioner by former President Jacob Zuma, replacing Bheki Cele, who had been suspended.
In December 2018, Mkhwanazi was appointed KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner by Cele, a position he still holds. His current contract is set to expire next year.
He claimed his move to KwaZulu-Natal was voluntary and not financially motivated.
“I took a five-year contract without a single cent in addition. I relocated because I wanted to contribute to safety in my home province,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has since confirmed that Mkhwanazi will remain in his post for another five-year term, with final details still being finalised.
Masemola told the committee on Tuesday that he had approved the extension process and consulted KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli.
“He is prepared to serve. We are finalising the details,” Masemola said.
Ntuli had earlier expressed support for Mkhwanazi’s contract renewal, with the provincial government confirming that discussions had taken place with SAPS leadership.
The committee continues.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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