KZN’s Top Cop Targeted by Fakes: Mkhwanazi Distances Himself from Political Protests

Fake Profiles, Real Consequences: KZN’s Police Boss Speaks Out

Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi finds himself in the middle of a storm, but this time, it’s not criminals he’s after. It’s impersonators and political agendas misusing his name and face.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Police Commissioner has made headlines in recent weeks, not for busting syndicates or taking down kingpins, but for speaking up about alleged political interference in police operations. Since dropping those bombshells, fake social media accounts using his name and image have popped up like mushrooms after rain — and now, he’s had enough.

A Cop’s Identity Hijacked Online

Following his public claims that senior officials, Minister of Public Service and Administration Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s successor Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, allegedly interfered in crime-fighting operations, Mkhwanazi has become a magnet for online impersonators.

From bogus TikTok accounts to fake X (formerly Twitter) handles, users have been sharing updates and political commentary pretending to be the commissioner himself. Some even posted controversial takes about marches and anti-Ramaphosa protests. But according to the man himself, he has no social media presence at all.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KZN police, made the situation clear: “Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi does not have any social media accounts. All those profiles floating around are fakes and are being used to deceive the public.”

While it’s not uncommon for high-profile public figures in South Africa to be impersonated online, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Police Minister Bheki Cele have also faced similar incidents, this one strikes a particularly dangerous nerve, given its timing.

Fake Accounts Fuel Political Tensions

Mkhwanazi isn’t just frustrated about being impersonated, he’s deeply concerned about the political spin being attached to his name. Since his press conference exposing alleged internal meddling, a narrative has emerged aligning him with anti-government protests.

Posters and banners from politically charged marches have surfaced bearing his photo, suggesting he’s part of movements opposing President Ramaphosa. This, he says, couldn’t be further from the truth.

“He appreciates the public’s support,” said Netshiunda, “but using his face during politically motivated gatherings sends the wrong message, to government, to the international community, and to criminals.”

Mkhwanazi’s stance remains firm: he’s against crime and corruption, not the country’s leadership.

Background: A Commissioner Under Fire and Firing Back

The real story began earlier this month when Mkhwanazi dropped explosive claims that top ANC-aligned officials had interfered with the police’s internal affairs. This included stopping crime intelligence appointments, pulling case dockets, and allegedly disbanding a special task force without due cause.

In the fallout, both Mchunu and Sibiya were placed on special leave, intensifying speculation about factional battles within the state security cluster.

Social media erupted. On X, users split down political lines, some hailing Mkhwanazi as a fearless whistleblower, others accusing him of trying to stir chaos. “This is South Africa’s version of the deep state,” one user wrote, while another commented, “He’s just doing his job. Why the backlash?”

Legal Action on the Cards

According to KZN police, legal action is being considered against those responsible for impersonating the commissioner. However, tracking anonymous online trolls remains a challenge.

The SAPS has urged the public to ignore these fake profiles and avoid sharing or interacting with them. Instead, any verified information will continue to come through official police communication channels.

As South Africa edges closer to the 2026 national elections, this won’t be the last time law enforcement and politics intersect. But for now, Mkhwanazi is focused on clearing the digital air and getting back to doing what he does best: fighting real crime.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com