President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is away in Brazil, has warned against continuing the public spat between KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) top policeman, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, on Sunday accused Minister Mchunu of meddling in criminal cases.
RELATED: KZN Police Boss Mkhwanazi Accuses Police Minister Of Meddling In Crime Cases – The Bulrushes
Police Minister Mchunu responded, saying Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was making “wild allegations” without evidence.
Accusations of wrongdoing made by the police boss in a live television broadcast against the Police Minister have been noted by President Ramaphosa, who is attending the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, President Ramaphosa said: “This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention.
“It is vital that the integrity of the country’s security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.”
President Ramaphosa said “all parties to this matter” are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint.
“The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion,” he warned.
“Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police.”
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President, said upon his return to South Africa, President Ramaphosa, “will outline the actions to be taken on this matter”.
Meanwhile, the police National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has assured the nation that daily crime-combatting operations and normal day-to-day policing at stations and other police service points continue.
