By Mandhlazi Rodger
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party delivered a memorandum of demands to the President’s office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, in support of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi recently made bombshell allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, claiming during a briefing that there is political interference in police investigations.
The MK Party is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take decisive action against those implicated in meddling with police operations.
“Ramaphosa has failed to be decisive in his leadership. He was supposed to fire Senzo Mchunu, as these are serious allegations against him,” said Abel Tau, MK Party Gauteng spokesperson.
“Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has done his work,” added Tau. “We believe he is not speaking from a place of ignorance; he knows what the implications are.”
The MK Party is urging the President to act and address the issues raised. Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela said they are giving the President 14 days to respond and act on their demands.
Before arriving at the Union Buildings, the MK Party—along with other organisations—marched from Church Square to the South African Police Service headquarters in Pretoria, while some members picketed outside the Union Buildings.
“We support General Mkhwanazi. We believe he will fix not only politically related issues, but also those related to immigration, crime, and killings in our country,” said MK member Sophie Ratsoma.
The march was a show of support for Mkhwanazi, who has been vocal about the alleged infiltration of the police service by criminal elements. The MK Party says it is determined to see justice served and to ensure that the police service remains free from political interference.
“With this memorandum, the party aims to bring attention to the issue and push for meaningful action from the government,” said Ndlela.
