Amid moments of despair, when the future appears bleak and police are accused or implicated in cases of corruption, mishandling or bungling of cases — or when they are the perpetrators of crime themselves — hope occasionally emerges. This time, it arrives in the form of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
On Tuesday, Mkhwanazi delivered a late-night press briefing, announcing the apprehension of the alleged killers of South African musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The duo were gunned down outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban in February 2023.
Criticism has long plagued the police for their failure to crack the case since then. Despite numerous rumours of arrests and the discovery of the alleged murder weapons, the police dismissed them as speculation. However, Mkhwanazi has emerged as a hero, revealing the meticulous efforts undertaken by law enforcement officials.
Mkhwanazi’s sharpness and ability to justify all the moves the police had made showed his was not just a political appointment but that he was, before anything, a seasoned police officer.
Mkhwanazi revealed how for months the police discreetly apprehended suspects, charging them for other crimes they were involved in as they ensured they remained within reach as they pursued justice for AKA and Tibz.
Despite media reports suggesting breakthroughs, the police remained tight-lipped to safeguard the integrity of the case.
Mkhwanazi justified the silence, emphasising the necessity of secrecy to prevent compromise.
Reflecting on Mkhwanazi’s tenure, his rapid rise and fall under former president Jacob Zuma's administration raised eyebrows. In early 2011 he had been promoted to major-general after serving as a brigadier for a year.
Five months after the major-general appointment, Zuma appointed him to the post of acting police commissioner in place of suspended police commissioner Bheki Cele. Zuma pushed up his rank to lieutenant-general, raising questions on the sudden move, especially as there were many other senior candidates that Zuma could have picked from.
At 38, Mkhwanazi was considered relatively young when appointed — but he had already proven himself having worked as the head of the special task force since 2005. He was also managing the air wing, all specialised operations, the tactical response team, national intervention units, a tracking team and mobile operations, as well as cross-border operations.
But a year into his acting police commissioner role‚ he was ditched by Zuma, apparently because of a fallout between Mkhwanazi and his then boss‚ police minister Nathi Mthethwa. This was reportedly because of Mkhwanazi’s abrasive management style‚ his anti-corruption crackdown and the handling of former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli’s case.
Nevertheless, his track record and commitment to reducing crime have remained steadfast over the years.
In July 2022, EFF leader Julius Malema commended Mkhwanazi as a disciplined leader committed to combating crime. Nearly two years later, Malema’s assessment seems validated as one looks at Mkhwanazi’s unwavering approach and dedication to justice.
Standing beside police commissioner Cele, Mkhwanazi’s sharpness and ability to justify all the moves the police had made showed his was not just a political appointment but that he was, before anything, a seasoned police officer.
It’s been an eventful time for Mkhwanazi at the helm of KZN SAPS, ranging from downs like the July 2021 unrest and looting to highs in the form of the breakthroughs his troops have recently made in nabbing cash-in-transit suspects and drug dealers.
Mkhwanazi’s accomplishments deserve recognition. But let it not end there. It is of great importance for the likes of Mkhwanazi to nurture a legacy that inspires others within the police force to follow suit.
Under his leadership, may a new generation of law enforcement officers emerge, embodying the values of diligence, justice, and integrity.
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