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Potential risk of a coup in SA - Ntshavheni

Published 1 day ago3 minute read

Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Tuesday revealed that the government is aware of a potential risk of a coup - as sporadic protests in support of KZN SAPS provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi took place in some parts of the country. 

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Ntshavheni addressed questions about potential threats after allegations made Mkhwanazi regarding the rot within the police.

“We have identified it [a coup] and we have put measures to mitigate against it. So, that is why we say to South Africans, there has not been anyone attempting to do a coup in South Africa,” Ntshavheni said. “Not that no people are planning, there are but we continuously monitor them and make sure that we deal with it.”

She also questioned the motives behind political parties protesting in support of Mkhwanazi.

Since the beginning of the week, there have been protests in support of Mkhwanazi.

On Monday, the MK Party marched to the provincial police headquarters in Gauteng, demanding police mininster Senzo Mchunu’s arrest. MK Party Tshwane leader Abel Tau said they plan to stage another protest on Friday.

On Tuesday, hundreds of civil society members and ordinary citizens marched in Durban.

“I don't know why they are protesting. For one thing, I know General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi does not need anyone's protection. So, I don't know why they are protesting. We need to understand the decision of the president,” Ntshavheni said.

At a media briefing on July 6, Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of interfering in sensitive investigations and protecting controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

He alleged that Mchunu had ties with individuals outside the police force, including Matlala and his associate Brown Mogotsi.

Mkhwanazi alleged that Mogotsi had influenced Mchunu's decision to disband the political killings task team in December.

He further alleged that deputy police commissioner for crime detection, Gen Shadrack Sibiya, was in cahoots with Mchunu to shut down the political killings task team. 

Mkhwanazi also said a police investigation had uncovered a syndicate run by a drug cartel.

He said the network included politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, as well as prosecutors, members of the judiciary and businesspeople.

National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola on Tuesday placed Sibiya on leave of absence.

“I directed him to stay at home while I investigate the allegations [made against him by Mkhwanazi],” Masemola said.

Masemola’s decision comes days after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect.

Ramaphosa also announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe allegations of criminal infiltration in law enforcement, intelligence and the broader criminal justice system.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula told a media briefing on Tuesday that Ramaphosa’s decision to place Mchunu on leave was commendable and does not imply guilt or prejudgment.

He also welcomed the formation of the commission of inquiry.

“Left unaddressed, such allegations threaten to erode public confidence in the institutions that are meant to protect the South African people and uphold the rule of law,” Mbalula said.

Chairperson of the portfolio committee on police Ian Cameron said Masemola’s move was irregular.

He said the distinction between “leave of absence” and “suspension” was significant in policing.

“When allegations of misconduct arise, the only lawful options under the regulations are precautionary suspension or temporary transfer.

“Accountability depends on transparency and on applying the rules as written. Leave of absence is not a lawful substitute for suspension,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has appointed Gwede Mantashe as acting minister of police.

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