By Teboho Moloi
BLOEMFONTEIN-The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) founded by former Free State premier also axed African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Ace Magashule is calling for the strengthening of protection laws for whistleblowers and the corrupt to face the whole might of the law.
ACT said this following revelations made by former KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi, regarding alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the systemic failure to act on such matters by those in positions of oversight and power, and when the call of hands off Mkhwanazi is rising.
In an unexpected media briefing that caught many by suprise even the first citizen, Mkwanazi made allegations that police minister Senzo Mchunu and high ranking police officials are part of criminal syndicate operating in the country enjoying politicians including police protection.
ACT spokersperson Rev. M’ohau Khumalo said If the allegations are true , it poses a direct threat to the democratic order and the constitutional principles upon which this country is founded on.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to constitutional order, Impartial justice,upholding public trust, and the protection of whistleblowers.The country cannot afford tonormalize a culture where corruption is shielded and integrity is punished,” said Khumalo.
He elaborated that Mkwanazi’s disclosures point to an alarming trend where whistleblowers—thosewho dare to speak truth to power—are not protected, but instead subjected to condemnation, intimidation, and institutional isolation. ” It precisely this culture of silence and fear that has allowed criminal networks and corrupt individuals to infiltrate vital organs of state, including law enforcement,” he said.
However police minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on special leave by president Cyril Ramaphosa also deputy national commissioner for crime detection, Lt General Shadrack Sibiya on leave of absence by national commissioner.
Among Mkhwanazis allegations Included that Sibiya colluded with an information peddler from the North West, Brown Mogotsi, and Mchunu to have the KZN political killings task team disbanded.
“Whistleblower protection laws must be strengthened and enforced to ensure that individuals like General Mkwanazi are safeguarded against any form of retaliation,” he pleaded.
The president has established a commission of inquiry into allegations of criminals infiltrating the police, political and judiciary system.
