International Politics

CAPE TOWN - KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said corruption and misconduct within the State Security Agency (SSA) have occurred regardless of the agency’s move to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office.

Mkhwanazi was responding to questions from Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing corruption in the police service yesterday, when MPs asked whether Ramaphosa was right to place the SSA in the presidency.

“I don’t work within the intelligence structure, so I cannot comment about the working arrangements of the State Security in the Office of the President,” Mkhwanazi began.

However, he quickly pointed to historical failings within the SSA, particularly when it operated as a separate department.

“There were wrong things that were happening within the intelligence – State Security, specifically. There was even theft of money within the facility,” he told MPs.

“So, whether they are within the presidency or outside the presidency, it doesn’t seem to make any difference. If they are bad outside, they will be bad inside.”

Mkhwanazi, known for his blunt assessments, said that while he was not part of intelligence structures, he has long received information from trusted sources across the security cluster.

“Some of us have got grey hair already, because we’ve seen a lot. We’ve heard a lot,” he remarked.

He said certain details he is aware of would be better suited for the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.

“If they were to invite me one day, I’ll share things with them that I don’t think they’ll be ready to hear themselves.”

Ramaphosa moved the SSA into the presidency in 2021 following damning revelations about abuse of state intelligence under previous administrations.

The aim, he said, was to strengthen oversight and prevent political manipulation.

However, Mkhwanazi’s comments suggested that without deep systemic reforms, merely relocating the agency may not be enough to resolve the entrenched problems facing South Africa’s intelligence services.

KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. (Pic: The Citizen)