IPID Probes Claims of KZN Police Commissioner’s Meddling in Prison Officer’s Arrest

Durban – A late-night phone call regarding a prison official allegedly involved in a drug cartel at the Westville Maximum Security Prison has cast a shadow over KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

While Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has refuted claims of protecting the official from arrest, he has acknowledged being informed about the situation.

Previously, he revealed that he received a call concerning the official’s arrest “in the middle of the night” and subsequently sought more information on the matter.

On Sunday, 16 March 2025, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) announced that it was looking into allegations suggesting that Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi interfered with the arrest of the senior Correctional Services official.

Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi firmly denies any misconduct.

Nonetheless, IPID confirmed it is investigating the incident, which reportedly occurred in 2023 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

IPID has requested the provincial commissioner to provide a sworn statement by 19 March 2025.

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping stated, “It should be noted that the letter written to Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi by IPID’s acting head of investigations, indicating that the police minister requested IPID to investigate the provincial commissioner, was mistakenly composed.”

She added, “This investigation originated from an anonymous complaint from the public.

“IPID emphasizes that while it receives complaints and tip-offs from diverse sources, its investigations are conducted independently and impartially.”

Suping mentioned that the investigation is still in its early stages, and IPID will refrain from commenting on the matter until the investigation reaches a conclusion.