SAPS in Turmoil: RISE Mzansi Calls on Ramaphosa to Act as Allegations Rock Police Leadership

With South Africa’s police force gripped by infighting and corruption claims, citizens and lawmakers are asking: where is President Ramaphosa?

That’s the question RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana posed on Wednesday as pressure mounts on the President to step in and steady the nation’s fractured justice and security institutions.

Following bombshell allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Gana has joined the chorus of voices demanding a full judicial commission of inquiry to investigate claims that senior government officials and law enforcement leaders are entangled in a sprawling criminal syndicate.

RISE Mzansi: ‘The Public Deserves Clarity Now’

Gana, who sits on Parliament’s police portfolio committee, welcomed Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza’s instruction for committees on police, justice, and intelligence to launch a probe. But he stressed this wasn’t enough.

“South Africans want to hear from the president,” Gana said. “He cannot afford to wait while the SAPS fights itself.”

Gana warned that the current dysfunction within the police and intelligence sectors poses a national security risk, echoing Mkhwanazi’s allegations that politicians, prosecutors, judges, and police generals are part of a corrupt criminal web.

The Allegations That Sparked the Crisis

On Sunday, during a marathon press briefing, Mkhwanazi stunned the country with claims of systemic corruption within the SAPS. He alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and others had interfered in politically sensitive investigations, and that a R360 million tender was linked to a service provider with deep ties to underworld figures.

Mkhwanazi’s claims have since thrown the SAPS into disarray, with questions swirling about political influence over policing and whether top officials have been shielding criminal operations.

Ramaphosa: It’s a Serious Concern, But Still No Action

President Cyril Ramaphosa, returning from an international trip this week, called the matter a “grave national security concern” and appealed for “discipline and restraint” from all sides.

“The integrity of the country’s security services must be safeguarded,” he said. “Trading accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence.”

But critics say words aren’t enough. Gana and RISE Mzansi are now demanding a formal commission of inquiry, led by a retired judge, with clear terms of reference and strict deadlines.

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

Social media has lit up with debate, as South Africans grapple with the seriousness of Mkhwanazi’s claims. While some view him as a courageous whistleblower, others, including human rights experts, have warned against romanticising the commissioner, arguing that SAPS dysfunction is systemic, not limited to a few bad apples.

Political analyst Mary de Haas earlier cautioned that “a culture of collusion” has long existed within the police service, and that Mkhwanazi’s revelations must be independently verified.

What’s Next?

The portfolio committees will begin their probe, but RISE Mzansi says the public must not be kept in the dark. Gana insists that Ramaphosa’s credibility is on the line and that his trademark slow approach could backfire at a time when public confidence is hanging by a thread.

“This isn’t just a party scandal, it’s about national safety and constitutional accountability,” said Gana.

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: South Africans are watching closely, and they want more than political statements. They want truth, transparency, and leadership.

If Ramaphosa delays again, it may not just be the SAPS in crisis, it could be the Presidency too.

{Source: IOL}

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