KZN Police Chief Denies Misusing Power Over Musician Charges

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is facing intense scrutiny following a leaked recording in which he allegedly discusses pursuing criminal charges against musician Paul “Tsaka” Madubanya over derogatory social media posts targeting Mkhwanazi and his wife.

In the recording, Mkhwanazi asks SAPS investigating officer Captain Phaladi Makola if insults directed at him, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga could be added to Madubanya’s existing court case. Madubanya already faces a crimen injuria charge initiated by a Thobela FM presenter.

During the audio exchange, Mkhwanazi suggests that filing more cases against the musician could serve as a warning to others, stating, “we must make an example of it.” He also questioned Madubanya’s mental state due to the severity of the profanities.

The leak coincides with heightened public debate over law enforcement targeting social media critics, following the recent arrest and R7,000 bail release of TikToker Max Makhanya for comments directed at Mkhwanazi. The incident has raised questions about whether state authority is being leveraged to settle personal grievances.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe defended Mkhwanazi, denying any abuse of power or unlawful directives. Mathe clarified that communication between senior leadership and investigating officers regarding active cases is standard procedure within police operations.

Furthermore, Mathe emphasized that Mkhwanazi is a victim in this matter, noting that Madubanya allegedly made direct threats and provokingly vulgar comments regarding the commissioner’s wife. Mathe stated that Mkhwanazi’s inquiries about the musician’s mental health stemmed directly from the severe, intimidating nature of the harassment.

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