Free SA calls for the urgent establishment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. These claims implicate senior political leaders, including the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, in deliberately sabotaging investigations into politically motivated murders.
Mkhwanazi revealed evidence of a systematic cover-up involving the disappearance of more than 100 case dockets, the disbanding of a specialist task team, and potential corruption tied to a R360 million police tender. These revelations suggest a deep-rooted erosion of the rule of law, one that demands immediate, transparent, and impartial scrutiny.
“South Africans deserve to know that no one is above the law,” said Reuben Coetzer, spokesperson for Free SA. “When those entrusted with safeguarding justice are accused of subverting it, silence is not an option. A full judicial inquiry, led by an independent judge, is the only appropriate response.”
Free SA is calling for the following urgent actions:
- The immediate appointment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry within 30 days.
- Special leave for Minister Mchunu and all implicated officials for the duration of the inquiry.
- Legal protection for Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi and any whistleblowers.
- Full public access to relevant case dockets, communication logs, and tender records.
- Parliamentary oversight hearings to guarantee transparency.
- Strengthening of whistleblower protection legislation to ensure future accountability.
“This is not only about political killings, it is about whether our democracy will survive the rot of corruption and fear,” Coetzer added. “Commissioner Mkhwanazi has shown courage. Now it’s time for our institutions to do the same.”
Free SA has opened an online petition and calls for broad participation from all South Africans.
