Free SA adds to calls for independent judicial commission of inquiry after Mkhwanazi claims

JOHANNESBURG - Lobby group Free SA has added to growing calls for an independent judicial commission of inquiry following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

It's been almost a week since Mkhwanazi implicated Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and other senior political leaders of deliberately sabotaging investigations into politically motivated murders.

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In a shocking exposé, Mkhwanazi revealed evidence of a systematic cover-up involving the disappearance of more than 100 case dockets, the disbanding of a specialist task team and potential corruption tied to a R360 million police tender.

Free SA said these revelations suggest a deep-rooted erosion of the rule of law, one that demands immediate, transparent, and impartial scrutiny.

The organisation said leaving the allegations untested for too long will have damaging effects.

Spokesperson Reuben Coetzee said Free SA believes at least six urgent actions are needed.

“Firstly, the immediate appointment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry within 30 days, special leave for Minister Mchunu and all implicated officials for the duration of the inquiry, legal protection for Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi and any whistleblowers, full public access to relevant case dockets, communication logs, and tender records, parliamentary oversight hearings to guarantee transparency and strengthening of whistleblower protection legislation to ensure future accountability.”

He said the matter will be a true test for the country’s institutions and democracy.