WeeklySA_AdminENFORCEMENT: KZN’s top cop takes on a powerful new mandate to target organised crime nationwide — but concerns grow over the impact on policing in the province…
By Lehlohonolo Lehana
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been tasked with leading a new national crime-fighting initiative while retaining his role in the province — a move that signals a more aggressive push against organised crime across South Africa.
The expanded mandate, confirmed during his recent contract renewal, will see Mkhwanazi coordinate intelligence and law enforcement efforts targeting major criminal syndicates nationwide.
“I’m still a provincial commissioner,” Mkhwanazi said on Friday during the launch of a new forensic laboratory in Durban. “But I will also support national efforts to fight organised crime.”
National police commissioner Fannie Masemola handpicked Mkhwanazi to spearhead the initiative, which will focus on dismantling what he described as the country’s “Big Five” criminal networks — including drug cartels and organised syndicates.
“We cannot allow people with money to control politicians and law enforcement,” Mkhwanazi said. “We are working to stop that, and we will neutralise them very soon.”
His appointment comes amid heightened concern about political interference in policing, following his recent allegations that criminal networks are exerting influence through political connections.
The dual role, however, has raised concerns in KwaZulu-Natal.
Premier Thami Ntuli warned that the added responsibility could dilute gains made in stabilising crime levels in the province.
“I am worried that this new task may interfere with the strength we have built,” Ntuli said, noting that crime has declined over the past 20 months under Mkhwanazi’s leadership.
Mkhwanazi has sought to reassure residents that service delivery in the province will not suffer.
“I’m here to deliver,” he said. “Whether I’m working full-time in the province or partly from the national office, that will not change.”
The announcement coincided with the unveiling of a new forensic laboratory in Durban, aimed at clearing a backlog in DNA testing that has hampered prosecutions — particularly in drug-related cases where suspects have walked free due to delays.
The facility is expected to significantly improve evidence processing and strengthen conviction rates.
Mkhwanazi said the national crime initiative is already underway, with priority dockets identified and specialised teams deployed.
A seasoned officer, he joined SAPS in 1993 and has served in senior roles including acting national commissioner. He holds qualifications in policing and has undergone specialised training in counterterrorism, bomb disposal and crisis response.
Known for his blunt stance on crime and political interference, Mkhwanazi framed the new assignment as a personal mission.
“I will fight this fight until the end,” he said. “I am not concerned about my safety.” – Fullview
MIRROR Briefs
AKA MURDER TRIAL DATE
The case against the Ndimande brothers accused in the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, has been formally transferred to the Durban High Court.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
Forbes and Motsoane were gunned down at the now defunct Wish restaurant in Florida Road in February 2023.
Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30 Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36, and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, 29, were also arrested in connection with the deaths.
The Ndimande brothers will now join their five co-accused in the High Court.
For several months, the brothers fought their extradition, but they withdrew their appeal in October, which cleared the way for their return.
Their legal battles in Eswatini had delayed progress in the case, with local authorities confirming that South Africa’s extradition request was properly lodged and approved under SADC protocols.
Defence attorney, Sibusiso Dlamini confirmed receipt of the indictment on behalf of his clients, as well as dispensing with the interpretation and reading of the document into the record.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, at 45 people per 100,000 according to 2023-24 figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. – Lehlohonolo Lehana.
DIRECTOR’S ASSETS FROZEN
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an order from the Special Tribunal freezing assets belonging to businessman, Nhlakanipho Mngomezulu, after an investigation into the unlawful receipt of Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funds.
According to the SIU, Lubelo Hlomuka Holdings, trading as SA Scrum Assembly, of which Mngomezulu is the director, unlawfully received approximately R16 362 525.29 from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), administered by the Department of Employment and Labour.
The SIU said the funds were secured through a sophisticated fraudulent scheme involving ghost employees, with money diverted from its intended purpose of supporting workers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Investigators found that between 2020 and 2022, shortly after receiving the funds, Mngomezulu allegedly embarked on a spending spree, purchasing several vehicles in cash.
The vehicles affected by the preservation order included a Volkswagen VN 750 Caravelle, KIA K2700, Toyota Avanza and Ford Ranger.
The tribunal order also covers immovable properties allegedly bought using the misappropriated funds.
These included two properties in Glyndale, KwaZulu-Natal, four apartments in Pietermaritzburg and one property in Zeekoe Vallei, eThekwini.
Bank accounts linked to Mngomezulu and SA Scrum Assembly have also been frozen. – SAnews
Africa’s First Vaccine Plant
South Africa is set to host Africa’s first end-to-end multi-vaccine manufacturing facility, following a landmark financing partnership between the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the European Commission and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The project will support local biotech firm Biovac in building a plant capable of producing between 30 million and 40 million vaccine doses annually by 2028.
Backed by a €75 million EIB investment and an additional $20 million IFC-led loan, the facility aims to strengthen Africa’s health security and reduce reliance on imports.
Initial production will focus on oral cholera vaccines, before expanding to polio, pneumonia and meningitis.
The plant could help close up to 40% of the global cholera vaccine supply gap, while creating over 340 skilled jobs and 7 000 indirect opportunities.
MEYER’S USA ENVOY POST
Petrus Roelf Meyer, who was recently appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, has been hailed as a prominent politician with , extensive experience in government and having served in both the pre- and post-democratic governments.
A qualified lawyer, he became known among many South Africans as the chief representative of the National Party government in the multiparty negotiations in 1993.
When a deal emerged between the parties after intensive negotiations, Meyer was commended widely for his role in the final chapter ending the apartheid era.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African National Congress chief negotiator in the talks, has described him as a true citizen committed to a non-racial South Africa.
He and Ramaphosa were recipients of the South African Breweries Leadership and Service Award in 2004 for their leadership in breaking deadlocked negotiations.
Meyer is seen, locally and internationally, as an unselfish leader, dedicated to using his experience and expertise for the reconstruction and development of the country.
He served in the first democratic government in 1994 under former President Nelson Mandela, further consolidating the respect he earned from many people. – WSAM Reporter.
