Organisers of the HandsOffMkhwanazi march in Durban are demanding the protection of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. They also say they reject President Cyril Ramaphosas establishment of the judicial commission of inquiry to probe his implication of senior police officials, including Minister Senzo Mchunu, in corruption and having links to criminal syndicates.
Scores of residents, groups, and some political parties are participating in the march in support of Mkhwanazi.
March organiser Teresa Nortje says, "We are not happy with the move that has been pulled by the President to put Mchunu on special leave with all perks paid, that is unethical and its unlawful. He should have been suspended with immediate effect, no perks thereafter."
Nortje says, "Mkhwanazi has been there for citizens of KZN, whenever there is something happening there, Mkhwanazi was always there to back it up. We want South Africa to know that we are backing up Mkhwanazi 100 and we want the President to adhere to the cries of South African citizens because this is a true hero, and we dont even want to speak about the consequences that might happen if anything happens to Mkhwanazi."
Another organiser Vincent Mdunge says they view Mkhwanazi as a whistleblower who needs protection.