Two competing narratives have emerged since KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged in July 2025 that a cartel had penetrated South Africa’s criminal justice system, politics, and private security. Either he is exposing a national crisis, or he is deflecting from his own alleged misconduct. Daily Maverick's Caryn Dolley explains.

Reporting by: Caryn Dolley 
Edited by: Joel Seboa 
Filmed by: Joel Seboa 
Produced by: Emilie Gambade 
Sub-edited by: Ian Wolstenholme 

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