ACE Magashule has called on top watchdog bodies to protect KZN police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The former ANC secretary-general and leader of the African Congress for Transformation (ACT) wants the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), the Office of the Public Protector, and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police to shield Mkhwanazi.
This after Mkhwanazi made shocking revelations about corruption within the police service.
Magashule said Mzansi has developed a troubling trend where those who expose wrongdoings are not safeguarded. Instead, they face condemnation, intimidation, and isolation.
"This is not only morally reprehensible but possesses direct threat to our democratic order and the constitutional principles. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to constitutional order, impartial justice, upholding public trust, and the protection of whistleblowers.
"The country can't afford to normalise the culture where corruption is shielded, and integrity is being punished. It's precisely this culture of silence and fear that has allowed criminals networks and corrupt individuals to infiltrate vital state organs including law enforcement," he said.
Magashule said Ipid, the Office of the Public Protector, and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police must take up those corruption allegations without delay.
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"A transparent and independent investigation team, led by retired judges and appointed by Parliament, must be established to address the allegations raised in teaching. Additionally, whistleblower protection laws must be strengthened and enforced to safeguard individuals like Mkhwanazi from retaliation," he said.
Magashule's party spokesman, Reverend Mohau Khumalo, said based on Mkhwanazi's public statement, the country has lost trust in the judiciary, law enforcement and other independent constitutional bodies.
"Those institutions are compromised and manipulated. They are no longer serving the public, but instead they pose a threat to the safety and democracy of our nation. National police commissioner General Fanie Masemola, top intelligence officials and the NPA, must take the country into their confidence.
"They must boldly disclose all the external and internal forces, whether political, criminal and foreign that are undermining the safety and security of the country," said Khumalo.
