Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson, Ian Cameron, has expressed concern over the IPID’s investigation into KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, stating that the allegations lack substance.

“For now, from an eagle-eyed point of view, there isn't enough substance,” he said.

This investigation stems from allegations that Mkhwanazi interfered with the arrest of a senior prison official back in 2023. The committee’s stance is one of cautious optimism, urging that due process be allowed to take its course.

In an interview on Newzroom Afrika, Cameron addressed the issue directly, stating: “Everything that I’ve read from IPID's statement is purely allegations. We can't just suspend based on an anonymous report. We'll have to wait and see what substance they bring to the fore.”

He questioned the timing and nature of Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) public statement, especially since the investigation is still in its early stages.

"It's interesting to me to release a statement with allegations like this so publicly when you admit that the investigation is still in its infancy. You would have thought that a preliminary statement would have more depth when exposing something as high-profile as this," Cameron said.

He further emphasised the need for facts to be solidified before making public statements.

Cameron also expressed concern over the potential political undertones surrounding the timing of the investigation.

“It feels like there's a little bit of a political taste to it,” he remarked, referring to the investigation’s timing, which followed Mkhwanazi's public comments about political interference in police operations.

Cameron said: "The law and due process must take their course. It's just odd to me that this happened two weeks after Mkhwanazi made certain statements during the police portfolio committee."

He also pointed out that coincidences in internal police politics are rarely without significance, though he clarified that he had no direct evidence to support his feelings.

“It could just be a coincidence, but something I've learned over time, especially with regard to internal police politics, is that the incident is usually not the reason or the case,” Cameron explained.

"In this specific matter, Mkhwanazi made very strong statements two weeks ago about not only political interference over the years but also being instructed not to investigate certain people by certain senior-ranking politicians."

Regarding the specifics of the investigation, Cameron reiterated the importance of giving IPID space to conduct its work.

“Due process must take its course,” he said. He emphasised that the committee's role is one of oversight, not direct intervention in operational matters.

On the question of whether Mkhwanazi should remain in his position during the investigation, Cameron said, "If there’s more substance to it, then obviously some kind of suspension would probably be necessary."

However, he stated that the decision ultimately rests with the National Commissioner. Given that the investigation is still in its early stages and the allegations stem from an anonymous complaint, Cameron stressed that the National Commissioner must base any decisions on the facts at hand.

“The National Commissioner can conduct his own investigation while receiving recommendations from IPID. He should expedite matters to avoid any credibility damage to SAPS, especially since the issue has already become public,” he said.

The Directorate has requested a sworn statement from Mkhwanazi by Wednesday, March 19.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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