“You must not be afraid” — Mbalula breaks the silence on Mkhwanazi saga

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has urged South Africans not to fear the ongoing parliamentary inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference within the police service, saying that everyone — including senior ANC deployees — is cooperating with the process.

Addressing party supporters, Mbalula said, “I hear people crying Mkhwanazi, Mkhwanazi, Mkhwanazi. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi spoke, President Cyril Ramaphosa has acted. Mkhwanazi speaks, and he is still going to speak. You must not be afraid.”

His comments come as the Ad Hoc Committee continues its high-profile hearings, where current and former police ministers — including Bheki Cele and Senzo Mchunu — have been grilled over claims of criminal infiltration in the SAPS and alleged misuse of state power.

Mbalula downplayed fears that the inquiry would expose divisions within the ANC, saying the party fully supports accountability and transparency. “You saw Bheki Cele at the Ad Hoc Committee answering what he could answer. Senzo Mchunu also answered. Even if we get called, there will be no problem,” he said confidently.

Political observers say Mbalula’s remarks are aimed at calming tensions within the ANC amid mounting public interest in the testimony of high-ranking officials, including generals and former ministers. The hearings have already produced explosive revelations, putting pressure on the ruling party to demonstrate that it can hold its members accountable without fear or favour.

As the inquiry continues, the ANC maintains that it welcomes lawful scrutiny and remains committed to upholding the rule of law in South Africa’s security structures.

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