. The allegations against KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, according to the South African Policing Union (Sapu), remain unproven and should be handled in accordance with legal procedures.

Following the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's announcement on Monday that it had received an anonymous complaint regarding Mkhwanazi in connection with a case against a senior official of the Correctional Services, the union issued a statement regarding eNCA. It said the investigation is underway According to Ipid, Mkhwanazi is accused of interfering with a senior Correctional Services official's arrest in the complaint. It said the alleged incident took place in Richards Bay in 2023. Ipid added that it has requested a sworn statement from Mkhwanazi by Thursday, March 19.

Lesiba Thobakgale of Sapu made the following statement regarding the situation: "The union does not conduct trials through the media and believes that the law should take its course." Mkhwanazi's strong anti-crime stance and refusal to yield to political influence may have made him a target, he said, adding that the union has raised concerns about possible political interference in the case. "We have seen efforts made by General Mkhwanazi in fighting crime in KwaZulu-Natal, and this may be a politically influenced matter. Thobakgale stated, "We suspect this, but we are unable to confirm it at this time." He added that, in the union's experience, junior and senior police officers who carry out their responsibilities independently and effectively frequently face allegations.

"Experience has shown that officers who do not yield to pressure from outside forces are frequently accused of wrongdoing. That is why we are saying the provincial commissioner should not be distracted by these allegations and should continue focusing on fighting crime in KwaZulu-Natal." He went on to say that while Ipid is obligated to look into any claims made against police officers, this shouldn't take precedence over the overall fight against crime. "The good work being done by General Mkhwanazi and his team must continue despite these developments," Thobakgale added.