KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner accuses minister of interference

KwaZulu-Natal's top police commissioner, Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations and vowed to fight for the police badge. He also announced he would be opening a case against the minister. Mkhwanazi alleged Mchunu shut down a task team investigating political killings, which had uncovered links between a drug cartel and high-ranking officials. He also claimed the minister attempted to remove the National Police Commissioner and that 121 case dockets were removed. The commissioner's accusations include claims of misleading Parliament and a plot to destabilize the police force. Mkhwanazi, dressed in combat gear, made these statements during a press briefing, surrounded by armed officers.