EXPLOSIVE: SAPS Power War - Mkhwanazi Exposes Deep Corruption in Police Leadership Battle

Bheki Cele vs Senzo Mchunu: Inside the Brutal Faction Fight Tearing Apart South African Police

Breaking revelations expose a dangerous power struggle within SAPS leadership, with corruption allegations, criminal charges, and political interference threatening South Africa's law enforcement stability.

Key Players in the SAPS Leadership Crisis

The South African Police Service is embroiled in a devastating internal war between two powerful factions, with corruption allegations reaching the highest levels of command. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has dropped explosive bombshells that expose the rot in SAPS leadership.

Bloc 1: The Bheki Cele Network

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele - "The General"

Known as "the General," Bheki Cele maintains significant influence within SAPS despite leaving his ministerial position. Sources allege Cele was deeply unhappy about his removal and continues to operate within police politics through his network of loyalists.

Cele's lasting legacy includes the controversial appointment of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola after forcing out predecessor Khehla Sitole, who took early retirement to avoid a fitness-for-office inquiry.

Fannie Masemola - Under Investigation

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola faces serious corruption allegations and potential arrest over the irregular purchase of five buildings costing more than R120 million. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption is probing his involvement in these questionable transactions.

Masemola's alleged proximity to Cele has created significant tension with current Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who reportedly feels undermined by the commissioner's divided loyalties.

READ: Masemola Accuses Police Minister Mchunu of Overstepping in Task Team Disbandment

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi - The Whistleblower

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has emerged as a central figure in exposing SAPS corruption. As convenor of the controversial political killings task team, Mkhwanazi has:

• Accused Minister Mchunu of interfering with police operations
• Made explosive criminal charges against senior officials
• Publicly defied political authority
• Called Deputy Commissioner Shadreck Sibiya "a criminal"

Dumisani Khumalo - Suspended and Accused

Suspended Crime Intelligence Unit head Dumisani Khumalo faces fraud and corruption allegations while allegedly living in an expensive Durban hotel apartment paid for by KZN SAPS. Khumalo has reportedly:

• Refused to report to his line manager
• Fired multiple police generals in crime intelligence
• Created numerous enemies within the service
• Maintained close ties to both Mkhwanazi and Masemola

Bloc 2: The Senzo Mchunu Camp

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu - Fighting for Control

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is allegedly attempting to dismantle Cele's network and gain full control of SAPS. Sources reveal Mchunu wants to appoint his own police commissioner but faces resistance from Masemola's faction.

The minister's authority has been publicly challenged by Mkhwanazi, who has made serious allegations and laid criminal charges against him.

READ: General Mkhwanazi Accuses Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of Political Interference

Shadreck Sibiya - The Replacement Candidate

Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadreck Sibiya is positioned as Masemola's potential replacement. However, Mkhwanazi has accused Sibiya of criminal conduct and is reportedly preparing a civil claim against him.

Feroz Khan - The Mandela Bodyguard

Counter Crime Intelligence head Feroz Khan, a former bodyguard to Nelson Mandela, joined Mchunu's camp after defeating Khumalo in court. Khan recently refused the acting Crime Intelligence head position, citing the "mess" left by Khumalo.

The Corruption Scandal Details

R120 Million Property Scandal

Documents reveal that Masemola approved transactions for five buildings that should have fallen under the Department of Public Works' mandate. This irregular procurement is now under investigation by anti-corruption authorities.

Political Killings Task Team Controversy

The KwaZulu-Natal-based political killings task team, established during Cele's tenure, faces serious allegations. Some team members are accused of involvement in the very killings they're meant to investigate.

Impact on South African Law Enforcement

This internal warfare within SAPS leadership raises serious concerns about:

• Operational effectiveness of South Africa's police service
• Public safety amid leadership instability
• Corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement
• Political interference in police operations
• Justice delivery in high-profile criminal cases

What This Means for South Africans

The SAPS faction war exposes deeper issues within South Africa's law enforcement:

1. Compromised investigations due to internal conflicts
2. Resource wastage on luxury accommodations and irregular purchases
3. Weakened public trust in police leadership
4. Potential obstruction of justice in political killings cases

Latest Developments

Mkhwanazi's recent public statements suggest the conflict is escalating, with criminal charges being laid and civil claims prepared. The outcome of corruption investigations against Masemola could determine which faction ultimately gains control.

Expert Analysis

Legal experts warn that this leadership crisis could have serious implications for South Africa's criminal justice system, particularly in addressing political violence in KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces.

The power struggle reflects broader governance challenges within South Africa's security cluster and raises questions about political accountability in law enforcement appointments.