Mkhwanazi Protest Sparks Tension at Union Buildings — But Police Say 'Not on Our Watch
Friday, 18 July, was supposed to be the day things changed. At least that’s what some protesters hoped as they planned to gather at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, rallying behind KZN’s Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. But police have made it clear — there will be no shutdown.
Supporters of Mkhwanazi, under the banner #HandsOffMkhwanazi, are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to act — and fast. They’re angry, they’re frustrated, and they feel ignored.
Mkhwanazi recently made explosive allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Crime Detection Deputy Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya. His claims? That these top figures are allegedly working with criminals. The shockwaves were instant. Supporters hit the streets across the country, demanding action and accountability.
The Inwooners Civic Organisation, joined by 10 other groups, announced a bold protest to pressure government. Their message: “The President has failed us. We are on autopilot.” David Ratladi, who leads the Inwooners group, didn’t mince words. He believes Ramaphosa should’ve fired Mchunu — just like he did with DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield.
But police are having none of it.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe warned that law enforcement won’t allow chaos to unfold. In her own words:
“We will not tolerate any lawlessness and any form of criminality, whichever way it manifests itself.”
Mathe assured South Africans that while the right to protest is respected, there are boundaries. Roads can’t be blocked. People’s daily lives can’t be disrupted. And most importantly, the Union Buildings — South Africa’s political nerve centre — won’t be turned into a battleground.
Meanwhile, MK Party Gauteng leader Abel Tau has taken things a step further. He wants President Ramaphosa to resign, criticising the president for calling a press briefing instead of taking firm action. Tau wasn’t impressed with the announcement that Mchunu would be placed on “special leave” pending a commission of inquiry.
“These commissions report back in months, and those reports just gather dust,” said Tau. “We’re not dealing with a policy issue — this is a criminal matter.”
Still, police continue to stress that the situation is under control. Mathe promised safety for all during the demonstrations and appealed to protesters to maintain peace and order.
“We request that those who will take part in marches behave themselves in an orderly manner as we have seen in recent days,” she said.
The bigger question now is whether this protest movement will fade out — or grow stronger. As more citizens grow concerned about crime, corruption, and silence at the top, support for Mkhwanazi seems to be gaining momentum.
What’s certain is that South Africans are watching. And waiting.
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Tags: #SouthAfricaNews #UnionBuildings #Mkhwanazi #HandsOffMkhwanazi #Protest #CyrilRamaphosa #Police #Gauteng #MzansiPolitics
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