By Johnathan Paoli
ANC secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has described recent claims of political interference within the police as “serious and concerning”, demanding urgent action from the president and Parliament to uphold constitutional order, institutional integrity and public trust.
In a detailed media briefing at Luthuli House on Monday, Mbalula addressed the unfolding crisis, emphasising the ANC’s full backing of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to investigate the matter decisively upon his return from abroad.
“We treat these allegations with grave concern. They touch on the very integrity of the criminal justice system and the constitutional obligation of the state to protect all South Africans. It borders on lawlessness and, if left unchecked, risks projecting South Africa as a banana republic,” Mbalula said.
This follows explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which rocked South Africa’s law enforcement institutions and triggered nationwide debate on political interference and criminal infiltration of the state.
The storm erupted over the weekend when Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi made unprecedented public statements, alleging political meddling in police operations, the disbanding of critical task teams tackling organised crime and a lack of response from senior officials to internal communications.
Mbalula refrained from outright condemnation or endorsement of Mkhwanazi’s claims, instead insisting on due process.
“What would be the basis to criticise the General? We don’t know the full details yet, that’s why we need an investigation. If he is right and we rushed to judgment, history will not forgive us,” Mbalula said.
At the heart of the controversy is Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was singled out in the commissioner’s remarks.
Mkhwanazi suggested Mchunu undermined SAPS operations and failed to support key crime-fighting efforts.
Mchunu, a senior ANC figure serving under the Government of National Unity (GNU), has since denied all allegations and stated he was open to any investigation.
“We expect comrade Mchunu to come to Luthuli House and account. He owes that to the movement. But ultimately, the real arena for accountability is not just the party, it is government and Parliament,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula addressed the dramatic visuals of Mkhwanazi’s press conference, defending the tactical regalia worn by the commissioner and his team as a statement of seriousness rather than militarism.
He criticised what he described as deteriorating journalistic ethics and politically biased media narratives.
“Some of what we’ve seen is not journalism, it’s political warfare disguised as the fourth estate,” he said, without naming specific outlets.
He urged institutions like the Press Council and South African National Editors’ Forum to address what he termed an “ethical rot” in media coverage, warning that misinformation could damage both democracy and public confidence.
Mbalula used the opportunity to clarify that the GNU was functioning, despite challenges.
“GNU does not belong to the ANC and DA alone; it is a 10-party arrangement reflecting the will of the electorate. We were instructed by voters to share power. Disagreements are natural, they must be resolved through dialogue, not brinkmanship,” he stated.
Responding to calls for independent scrutiny, Mbalula endorsed Parliament’s oversight role.
“If Parliament wants to summon the commissioner and the Minister, it is within their mandate. They don’t need anyone’s permission,” he said.
He reiterated that the ANC would support full and fair investigations by all constitutional and statutory bodies, including the Public Protector, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and Parliamentary committees.
Meanwhile, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union issued a public statement acknowledging the seriousness of the claims and urging restraint, accountability and institutional integrity.
“The safety and security of South Africans must never be compromised. This moment demands responsible leadership, maturity and transparency — not public spectacle or factional posturing,” union spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo called for the criminal justice system to be shielded from interference and affirmed its confidence in Ramaphosa’s leadership upon his return.
In closing, Mbalula stressed that the ANC would not protect anyone found guilty of wrongdoing.
“We will not fudge the truth. These matters must be attended to responsibly and urgently,” he said.
He invoked the example of past party leaders, noting that South Africa had previously emerged from dark moments of state capture and must once again demonstrate resilience.
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