IPID confirms investigation into KZN police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is still ongoing

IPID confirms investigation into KZN police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is still ongoing! The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that its investigation into KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is still ongoing, despite some reports claiming that the probe had been concluded.

In a statement released this week, IPID firmly refuted these claims and clarified that their inquiry into Mkhwanazi has not been withdrawn, and no final conclusions have been made. The police watchdog emphasized that the matter remains active and under scrutiny.

Conflicting Reports Cause Confusion

Earlier reports suggested that IPID had ended its investigation into the provincial police boss, triggering confusion among the public and media. These claims also influenced the cancellation of a planned march in support of Mkhwanazi, which was due to take place on Friday.

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

The organizers of the march—comprised of KZN community leaders and supporters of Mkhwanazi—stated that the demonstration was called off because they believed the investigation had been officially withdrawn.

“As the movement and the community of KwaZulu-Natal, we saw no need to continue with the march after those positive developments,” the organisers said.

However, IPID has now corrected the record, indicating that there has been no official resolution and that their investigation is still underway.

IPID Maintains Silence on Investigation Details

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping reiterated the agency’s position, stating that IPID will not be engaging with the public or media on the matter until the investigation has been fully concluded.

“The IPID position, as per our statement released on the 16th of March 2025, is that we are not going to engage on the matter until our investigation is concluded,” said Suping.

This cautious stance is in line with IPID’s usual protocol to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations, particularly when the case involves high-ranking officials within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Context of the Investigation

Mkhwanazi is at the center of growing scrutiny, with the investigation reportedly tied to controversial decisions and high-stakes policing operations in the province. One such incident relates to deadly shootouts between police officers and criminal suspects, which have raised questions about accountability and transparency in policing methods in KZN.

The probe reportedly gained momentum after Mkhwanazi cleared Feroz Khan, the head of counterintelligence, of misconduct. Khan was facing allegations linked to a 2021 drug bust, but Mkhwanazi exonerated him, claiming there was no wrongdoing based on internal findings.

In a recent interview earlier this April, Mkhwanazi addressed the investigation, stating that he believed the allegations against him were retaliation for his support of Khan. He also suggested that internal politics and power struggles within the police service might be influencing the attention he is receiving.

Tensions Rise Amid Ongoing Investigation

The situation continues to unfold in a tense climate, where public trust in law enforcement is already strained. The continued investigation into one of the province’s most senior law enforcement officials underscores the growing concerns around accountability and conduct in the upper echelons of SAPS.

While Mkhwanazi has maintained his innocence and professionalism, the IPID’s refusal to comment further until the case is closed suggests that the investigation still holds substantive concerns that must be addressed before a decision is reached.

For now, all eyes remain on IPID as the public and law enforcement communities await further updates.