Ramaphosa Speechless: The Mkhwanazi Question That Shook South Africa’s Leadership

In a dramatic turn of events, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, a senior provincial police commissioner, publicly accused South Africa’s police minister, Senzo Makunu, of colluding with criminal syndicates to disband a specialized task team investigating political killings.

This explosive revelation sent shockwaves through the government and prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Makunu on leave, establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations.

Today, we unpack the confrontation between Mkhwanazi and the South African government, exploring the implications for the nation’s security and the integrity of its law enforcement.

On July 6, 2025, Mkhwanazi made a bold statement, dressed in combat fatigues and flanked by armed guards, declaring that he was ready to fight corruption within his own ranks.

He presented evidence, including WhatsApp messages allegedly recovered from businessman Vusamusi Cat Matlala, which linked Makunu to organized crime figures and discussed the disbanding of the political killings task team.

This task team was established under Ramaphosa’s directive in 2018 after a series of political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to tackle the crisis of political violence that had gripped the region.

The timing of the disbandment was particularly suspicious.

On December 31, 2024, while many were celebrating the New Year, Makunu issued a directive to dissolve the task team, a decision that left investigators stunned.

Just weeks earlier, a report from National Commissioner Fannie Mhler praised the task team for its achievements, leading to significant arrests and a reduction in political killings.

Critics questioned how a unit could be both effective and deemed unnecessary at the same time, raising concerns about Makunu’s motivations behind the abrupt decision.

At the heart of the allegations is Cat Matlala, a businessman with deep ties to criminal networks.

Matlala was accused of making substantial cash payments to various police officials, including Makunu, to secure protection and influence over police investigations.

He claimed to have funded Makunu’s campaign for the ANC presidency, a revelation that added another layer of complexity to the unfolding scandal.

The fallout from these allegations poses serious questions about the integrity of South Africa’s law enforcement.

With reports of corruption infiltrating every level of the police force, the public is left wondering whether the entire criminal justice system has been compromised.

Investigations into Mkhwanazi’s claims have revealed a troubling pattern of collusion between police officials and criminal syndicates, suggesting that corruption is not merely an isolated incident but a systemic issue that has persisted for years.

In response to the growing scandal, President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, led by retired constitutional court Justice Embi Madlanga.

This commission is tasked with investigating the infiltration of law enforcement by criminal syndicates, examining whether members of the national executive are complicit, and assessing the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms.

For Ramaphosa, who has built his political brand on fighting corruption, this situation presents a delicate challenge.

Makunu, a loyal supporter, represents a critical faction within the ANC, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where the party has struggled to maintain its influence.

The public’s reaction to these revelations has been one of outrage and disbelief.

Many South Africans are demanding accountability and transparency, urging the government to take decisive action against corruption within law enforcement.

Critics have accused Ramaphosa of moving too slowly and being too lenient with allies implicated in the scandal, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to genuine reform.

The confrontation between Mkhwanazi and the South African government marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing battle against corruption.

As the judicial commission of inquiry begins its work, the nation watches closely, hoping for answers and accountability.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing South Africa’s criminal justice system and the urgent need for reform to restore public trust in law enforcement.

As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to ensure that the findings lead to meaningful changes and that those responsible for corruption are held accountable.

The future of South Africa’s security and governance hangs in the balance, and the coming months will be critical in determining the path forward.