Top South African Officer accused the police minister of confrontation with crime syndicates

Johannesburg: A South African top security officer accused the police minister and a deputy national commissioner of confrontation with crime syndicates, which was publicly creating a ruckus. In an unprecedented step, the head of the police in the province of Quazulu-Natal, Nhalanhala Makhwaji, on Sunday called for a press conference and claimed that Cenzo McNu and Shadrack Sibia intervened in a sensitive police investigation. He also alleged that the two men dissolved an important crime unit, which reiterated in the province, working with an investigation into the politically motivated killings, it was revealed that the crime was behind the syndicate killings. Makhwanzi claimed that his investigation revealed that some “politicians, law enforcement, SAPS (South African Police Service), Metro Police and Reform Services, Prosecutor, Judiciary” were “controlled by drug cartel as well as business people. He said that he had evidence supporting his claims, yet not made public. South Africa has the highest crime rate in the world and corruption charges within the police are not new. However, it is uncommon for high ranked security officials to accuse each other of partnership with criminals. Machunu has denied Makhwaji’s claims, called him “baseless”. “The police minister will never allow their integrity, the ministry or a large -scale SAPS can be reduced by no evidence without evidence or fixed procedures, including Lt Gen Makhwaji, without any evidence or fixed procedures.” President Cyril Ramfosa, who is currently attending a Summit of BRICS leaders in Brazil, said he would look at Makhwani’s allegations when he returns home this week. Ramfosa’s office said in a statement, “This is a matter of serious national security concern, which is focusing on the top priority,” Ramposa’s office said in a statement, the business of allegations between the top police officers of the country can reduce public confidence. The African National Congress Party, which leads the unity government of the country, said the issues raised by Makhwanji were “serious concern” and were assured that Ramposa would participate with him. The Institute for Security Studies, an independent crime guard, said that these allegations should be thoroughly investigated as they can destroy public belief in South African police.