EFF leader Julius Malema has hit back at KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, saying he is too sensitive and does not accept criticism, and expects people to only speak positively about him. Malema’s remarks follow Mkhwanazi’s testimony before a parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee earlier this month, where he claimed Malema had arranged a meeting between himself and suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya in an attempt to broker peace.
In an interview on The Clement Manyathela Show on Radio 702, Malema criticised Mkhwanazi, saying he behaved as though he could not be challenged. “Firstly, he is very sensitive. He thinks he can’t be criticised or that people must only say good things about him,” Malema said. He added that he would address the allegations formally when he appears before the Ad Hoc Committee.
Mkhwanazi’s Testimony
Mkhwanazi had testified that he was introduced to Malema through the head of police crime counterintelligence, Major General Feroz Khan. Malema accused Mkhwanazi of unnecessarily dragging the EFF into matters unrelated to the party, particularly references to Khan’s attendance at an EFF event. “He throws the EFF into issues where it is not necessary,” Malema said.
Malema also accused Mkhwanazi of raising issues about him in his absence. “He spoke badly about me when I was not there. I was at home mourning. That is a concern,” he said. He also described Mkhwanazi’s tone before MPs as “condescending.” Malema denied any wrongdoing and said politicians should not be intimidated by police. “We will not be pushed around by a police officer. We have not broken the law,” he said.
EFF Leader’s Response
Addressing comments about acting deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, Malema said his remarks had been misinterpreted. He maintained that he had merely pointed out her qualifications for a potential national commissioner role, while warning that associations with criminal elements could damage a career. Malema suggested Mkhwanazi had taken offence because he was not endorsed for the same position.
According to the South African Government website, the Ad Hoc Committee was established to investigate matters related to the police. Malema’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between the EFF and the police. The party has been critical of the police’s handling of various cases, including the murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
- Malema accused Mkhwanazi of being overly sensitive
- He denied any wrongdoing and said politicians should not be intimidated by police
- Malema suggested Mkhwanazi had taken offence because he was not endorsed for the national commissioner role
