08 July 2025
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has noted with serious concern the troubling allegations emerging from within the South African Police Service as brought to light by Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkwanazi. These allegations, which point to possible interference, obstruction of justice, and abuse of power at the highest levels, cannot be treated as ordinary administrative concerns. They demand urgent, decisive action in the interest of public trust and institutional integrity.
FEDUSA calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an independent commission of inquiry to investigate these claims in full. A formal inquiry, with a clearly defined mandate, timelines and the power to compel evidence, is the only mechanism that can provide the public with clear answers and restore confidence in the leadership of our law enforcement agencies.
The Federation also calls on the President to provide strong and visible leadership in this moment. The allegations made are far too serious to be ignored or buried under internal processes. They require a credible response that places the integrity of the state above individual or political interests.
As a worker-centered organisation, FEDUSA remains deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of public servants who come forward to report wrongdoing. Whistle-blowers are often the first and most critical line of defence against corruption and maladministration. The Federation calls on government departments and oversight bodies to ensure that no official who acts in good faith is threatened, intimidated, unfairly suspended, or removed from their position for simply doing what the Constitution and our laws require of them.
We also call for immediate and parallel investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate
(IPID), the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and any other statutory body with jurisdiction. A multifaceted approach will ensure that this matter is not only handled thoroughly but also urgently, without unnecessary delays.
FEDUSA remains unwavering in its commitment to clean, accountable, and transparent public institutions. We will continue to stand resolutely with workers and whistle-blowers who risk their livelihoods and safety to expose corruption, abuse of power, and institutional decay. For the Federation, truth and accountability are not optional – they are the bedrock of a functional democracy and essential to the protection and dignity of every South African. But these values mean nothing without consequence management. It is not enough for wrongdoing to be acknowledged; it must be punished. Those who loot public resources, obstruct justice, or violate the public trust must be prosecuted and jailed. The rule of law demands that no one be shielded from the consequences of their actions, no matter their rank or title. This is the only path to restoring public confidence and protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions.
END.