Members and supporters of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party marched to the Gauteng Provincial Police Headquarters today, demanding accountability and action following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The protest comes ahead of a planned national shutdown at the Union Buildings on Friday, as tensions rise over claims of political interference in high-profile criminal investigations.
Allegations of Ministerial Interference
Last week, Lt. Gen. Mkhwanazi accused now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of obstructing a task team investigating political killings. The allegations have sparked national outrage, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce a commission of inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, to investigate the claims.
In a televised address last night, Ramaphosa also appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister, but the MK Party has dismissed these steps as inadequate.
MK Party Delivers Memorandum, Vows Escalation
During today’s march, MK Party spokesperson Abel Tau handed over a memorandum of grievances to senior police officials, demanding transparency and urgent action.
“We came here to demand that the police take the nation into confidence regarding these serious allegations,” Tau said. “The people need to know that these crimes are being dealt with, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.”
Tau criticized Ramaphosa’s response, calling the commission of inquiry a delaying tactic. “The president has the power to act now, but instead, he’s buying time. Policing in this country is on autopilot,” he said, referring to the gap between Mchunu’s suspension and Cachalia’s official start date on August 1.
Friday’s National Shutdown Looms
The MK Party has given police 14 days to respond to their demands but warned of further action. “This is just the beginning,” Tau said. “On Friday, we will shut down the province and take our grievances to the Union Buildings.”
The planned shutdown signals growing frustration over perceived government inaction on crime and corruption, with the MK Party positioning itself as a vocal opposition force.
