Civic organizations across Gauteng staged peaceful candlelight vigils outside major police stations last night in solidarity with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The demonstrations follow Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations of political interference in police operations and high-level complicity in crime.
The protests, organized by groups including the Progressive Civics Congress, saw activists gather outside stations such as Randburg, Booysens, Mamelodi, and others, demanding accountability and an end to police corruption.
Handing Over Memoranda
At the Randburg Police Station, demonstrators delivered a memorandum to station commanders, giving authorities 14 days to respond. The document condemned rampant corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), calling for urgent reforms.
“We are sick and tired of lawlessness,” said a representative of the Progressive Civics Congress. “Police corruption is out of hand, and this government must act decisively.”
Nationwide Outcry
He revealed that similar vigils were held in Johannesburg South, Mondeor, and other townships, with communities expressing frustration over crime, drugs, and illegal immigration. Protesters emphasized that public trust in law enforcement has eroded, demanding a thorough investigation into Mkhwanazi’s claims.
President Ramaphosa to Address Nation
The demonstrations come ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s scheduled national address on Sunday evening, where he is expected to respond to the allegations. Civic leaders urged the president to take bold action, warning that failure to address corruption would deepen South Africa’s crises.
“If we allow lawlessness to continue, our economy will suffer, our children will be unsafe, and poverty will worsen,” he stated. “We need a clean police service—one that serves the people, not criminals.”
Calls for Far-Reaching Reforms
Protesters demanded that any investigation into police misconduct extend beyond Mkhwanazi’s revelations, citing long-standing concerns about SAPS integrity. They warned of further demonstrations if no concrete action is taken.
As candles flickered outside police stations, the message was clear: South Africans are demanding accountability—and they are prepared to keep the pressure on until change comes.