KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has come under fire for suggesting that certain journalists, including City Press reporter Abram Mashego, may be captured by unknown forces and pushing dangerous narratives that weaken state institutions.

His comments before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing alleged corruption within the police service have been widely condemned by media houses and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF). He claimed some journalists are handled by Crime Intelligence and called for heavy penalties, including job losses or imprisonment, for reporters who publish what he described as misinformation.

General Mkhwanazi’s remarks have been labeled a threat to democracy, with News24 describing them as an attack on press freedom. City Press has demanded evidence to support his claims. SANEF has also expressed concern about attempts to intimidate journalists reporting on the police and intelligence sector.

General Mkhwanazi defended his stance, saying his criticism was directed at individuals, not the media as a whole. However, his comments have raised concerns about the potential consequences of his words on the freedom of the press.

This controversy comes amid ongoing investigations into corruption within the police service, with General Mkhwanazi himself being a key figure in the probe. The KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner has been vocal about his stance on corruption and has made allegations against senior police officials and politicians.