By Zandile Nyathikazi
On Friday, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) students from Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) marched in solidarity with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is facing an investigation by the Independent Investigative Directorate (IPID) on allegations that Mkhwanazi interfered in the arrest of a senior correctional service official.
Mkhwanazi has been hailed in some spaces for his strong hand on crime and what’s seen as the increased of killings of criminals at the hands of the police. “I hope this march leads to better communication between police and community. I appreciate the students standing up for General Mkhwanazi and his efforts to end crime have made a real difference in our communities,” Delisiwe Khumalo who is a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The 500-strong crowd marched under the theme #HandsOffMkhwanazi and began at Curries Fountain to the South African Police Services (SAPS) as they carried banners with messages that include “Support Our General.”
“We believe that General Mkhwanazi is doing what needs to be done to protect our communities. The rumours of corruption are unproven, so we stand with him and what he is doing,” said UKZN student, Sizwe Makhanya.
“The rumours about corruption are just that, rumours. We are here to defend a leader who is trying to help because his actions against crime show his commitment to protecting us,” said DUT student Nonhle Majola.
Mkhwanazi has previously told the media that he believes that there’s a witch hunt for him and that he stands by his decision to clear Crime Intelligence counter-intelligence and security head, Feroz Khan, on charges of defeating the ends of justice and bringing SAPS into disrepute in relation to a 2021 drug bust. This was during a disciplinary hearing that Mkhwanazi was heading in 2023.
