The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, while also expressing safety concerns for whistleblowers.

Fedusa said this inquiry must have a clearly defined mandate, timelines and the power to compel evidence, which it said was the only mechanism that could provide the public with clear answers and restore confidence in the leadership of the country’s law enforcement agencies.

During a media briefing over the weekend, Mkhwanazi made allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance, specifically accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of unilaterally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and redirecting 121 active investigation dockets to the office of National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, where they had allegedly been neutralised.

Fedusa said the allegations could be treated as ordinary administrative concerns.

“…they demand urgent, decisive action in the interest of public trust and institutional integrity,” it said.

The federation called for immediate and parallel investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the Special Investigating Unit, and any other statutory body with jurisdiction.

It argued that a multifaceted approach would ensure that the matter was thoroughly and urgently handled.

The federation also called on Ramaphosa to provide strong and visible leadership.

Ramaphosa assured on Sunday that the matter was of grave national security concern and said it was receiving the highest priority attention.

“All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint. The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion. Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police,” he said.

He is expected to soon outline actions on the matter.

Fedusa said the allegations made are far too serious to be ignored or buried under internal processes.

“They require a credible response that places the integrity of the State above individual or political interests,” it added.

The federation expressed concerns about the safety and wellbeing of public servants who come forward to report wrongdoing.

“Whistleblowers are often the first and most critical line of defence against corruption and maladministration,” it pointed out.

The federation wants whistleblowing officials to be protected.

The SACP also expressed concern about the allegations, calling for an extensive probe to investigate the capacity of the South African Police Service to execute its mandate to prevent, combat and investigate crime.

The SACP has taken note of Ramaphosa’s commitment to address the matters brought to the fore by Mkhwanazi upon his return from his international travels.

“As the SACP, we firmly believe that any intervention by the executive branch, as suggested by the President, must extend beyond the surface issues that may be apparent to the untrained eye. It must endeavour to unravel the intricate web of a potential criminal network that has not only tainted the police service but has also essentially captured and undermined the entire State in a pervasive web of corruption and criminality,” it said.