EFF Youth
By Nkosana Khumalo
EFF Youth Command Marches in Durban to Demand IPID Drop Probe Against KZN Police Boss Mkhwanazi
On Friday, 16 May 2025, the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC) led a spirited march through Durban’s streets, calling for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to halt its investigation into KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Joined by hundreds of students, the “Red Berets’ youth wing” accused IPID of targeting Mkhwanazi for his bold fight against crime and corruption in the province. The march, which ended at the South African Police Service (SAPS) headquarters, has reignited debates about political interference in policing and the challenges of law enforcement in one of South Africa’s most volatile provinces.
A Vibrant Show of Support
The march began at Curries Fountain Stadium and wound its way to the SAPS provincial headquarters on Braam Fischer Avenue, with red-clad EFFYC members and students from various institutions of higher learning painting Durban’s streets red. Chanting slogans like “Hands Off Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi” and waving banners, the crowd voiced their frustration with what they see as a politically motivated probe. The EFFYC believes Mkhwanazi is being unfairly targeted for exposing corruption and dismantling criminal networks in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
EFF youth leader Sihle Lonzi addressed the marchers, delivering a fiery speech. “We believe that General Mkhwanazi because he has been uncovering corruption, fighting crime here in KZN – the criminal politicians in government are the ones who are fighting with him and they want to take out investigations on him and they want to accuse of various things because he is releasing their crime and corruption in the province,” Lonzi declared. The crowd roared in agreement, amplifying calls for IPID to drop the investigation.
The IPID Probe: Allegations and Controversy
IPID is investigating Mkhwanazi over claims that he interfered with the 2023 arrest of a senior correctional services official in Richards Bay, allegedly linked to a drug cartel operating out of Westville Maximum Prison in Durban. The probe, which began in March 2025, has sparked intense debate, with Mkhwanazi and his supporters arguing it’s a retaliatory move tied to his decision to clear Crime Intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan in a disciplinary hearing earlier this year.
The Khan case stems from a 2021 R700 million cocaine bust in Aeroton, Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s largest drug hauls. IPID accused Khan of “defeating the ends of justice” and tarnishing SAPS’s image, pushing for charges alongside officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Mkhwanazi, who chaired Khan’s March 2025 hearing, cleared him, stating, “I cleared him because evidence was presented there that couldn’t justify that Khan had done anything wrong.” He argued Khan’s actions protected SAPS’s reputation, but the timing of IPID’s probe into Mkhwanazi—days after Khan’s acquittal—raised suspicions of a vendetta.
Adding to the controversy, IPID initially claimed the complaint against Mkhwanazi came from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, citing a letter dated 12 March 2025. However, IPID later backtracked, calling it an “anonymous tip-off,” prompting Mkhwanazi to question the watchdog’s credibility. Mchunu denied involvement, stating he had “not laid any complaint” and supported Mkhwanazi’s crime-fighting efforts.
Mkhwanazi’s Crime-Fighting Legacy
Mkhwanazi has earned widespread praise for his tough stance on crime in KZN, a province grappling with high rates of murder, gang violence, and political killings. In 2024, over 100 suspects were killed in police shootouts, reflecting his aggressive approach to violent crime. Crime statistics show a decline in murders and robberies, and Mkhwanazi’s initiatives, like a special task team probing political killings, have disrupted criminal networks.
His efforts extend beyond statistics. In December 2024, Mkhwanazi joined KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli in a festive season safety campaign, visiting shopping malls to promote security measures. He has also tackled cash-in-transit heists, noting their frequent “inside job” nature, and worked to curb abuse of the SAPS Secret Fund, earning accolades from business leaders and communities.
However, his methods have drawn criticism. IPID has raised concerns about the high number of police-related fatalities in KZN, which accounts for 25% of such deaths nationwide. Critics argue his “shoot-to-kill” tactics may bypass justice, while supporters counter that KZN’s violent hotspots, like Inanda and Umlazi, demand a firm response.
A Groundswell of Support
Mkhwanazi’s supporters span political parties, unions, and ordinary citizens. The South African Policing Union (SAPU) has backed him, with spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale calling the probe “politically motivated.” The ANC’s KZN task team member Jeff Radebe described him as “highly competent and effective,” while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) hinted at a “political plot” to block his promotion.
The EFF has been vocal, with MP Mazwi Blose labelling the investigation a “diversionary tactic” to undermine Mkhwanazi’s anti-crime efforts. In March 2025, Durban residents marched in solidarity, chanting “hands off” and urging him to persist. Social media has also erupted with support, with hashtags like #GoodWorkNdonga trending as users praise Mkhwanazi’s integrity.
New Developments and Allegations
Recent twists have deepened the saga. Sources suggest Mkhwanazi’s name was linked to a kidnapping case involving arrests in Mpumalanga and Mozambique, which he dismissed as “nonsense,” noting the Hawks’ independent handling of the matter. His political killings task team has also uncovered “terrible things” in Gauteng, implicating senior officers, which he believes may have intensified efforts to discredit him.
In April 2025, reports surfaced that IPID had withdrawn its complaint letter, prompting Mkhwanazi to confirm he no longer needed to submit a statement. However, IPID later clarified the investigation was ongoing, fueling accusations of inconsistency. March organiser Ntokozo Sibisi accused IPID of planning to “ambush” Mkhwanazi, vowing to defend him if attempts to humiliate him persisted.
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