Border policeman tells ad hoc committee Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi tortured him – News24

A suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) officer has accused KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of being present during an alleged torture incident related to a kidnapping investigation. The officer, who has not been publicly named, testified before a parliamentary committee detailing the alleged abuse.

Allegations of Torture and Witness Presence

The suspended officer claims he was tortured and alleges that Mkhwanazi was present during the incident. He further alleges that his home was burned down and evidence was destroyed in an attempt to conceal a crime. These accusations were made before an ad hoc committee in parliament, according to reports.

Another policeman, also testifying before the committee, corroborated the suspended officer’s claims regarding a meeting between Mkhwanazi and a man known as ‘Cat’ Matlala. This supports previous claims made by Matlala himself.

The officer stated that the torture occurred during an investigation into a kidnapping case. Details of the alleged torture have not been released, but the officer claims to have been physically abused.

The allegations extend to the destruction of the officer’s property, with claims that his home was deliberately set ablaze and evidence related to the case was destroyed. This alleged act is seen as an attempt to obstruct the investigation and cover up potential wrongdoing.

Mkhwanazi has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. The parliamentary committee is continuing its investigation into the matter, and further details are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.