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Mbeki Praises Police Boss for Exposing Justice System Flaws

DURBAN

Former President Thabo Mbeki commended KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for exposing alleged flaws in South Africa’s criminal justice system. Mbeki made these remarks during a Saturday interview with SABC in Durban.

He stressed the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry could address crime, corruption, and political interference. “I am very glad that the Commissioner had the courage to speak out,” Mbeki said.

The former president highlighted connections between crime syndicates, politicians, and weakening justice structures. “What is being raised is very important, the connection between criminals, politicians, and the weakening of values in the justice system,” he explained.

President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission after Mkhwanazi’s July briefing revealed syndicates involving politicians, drug dealers and criminals were undermining police work.

Last week, police expert Major-General Patronella Van Rooyen told the commission parliamentary inaction on earlier political interference claims allowed misconduct to continue. “This inaction allowed misconduct to continue,” she stated.

Mbeki emphasised accountability depended on the inquiry. “The response the country needs… will come from the commission’s findings,” he said, adding: “Police leaders must speak publicly because the nation deserves to know the truth.”

South Africans await the commission’s outcomes, hoping it restores integrity to the justice system.