Unions Tell Mkhwanazi to Arrest Criminals, Not Salaries.

Unions Tell Mkhwanazi to Arrest Criminals, Not Salaries.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has drawn sharp criticism from labour unions after claiming their wage demands contribute to South Africa’s 33.2% unemployment rate. Speaking in uMlazi on August 19, 2025, Mkhwanazi argued that union pressure for higher salaries limits police hiring, indirectly fueling crime.

Unions hit back hard. COSATU’s Edwin Mkhize called the remarks “divisive,” blaming systemic underfunding, with the police budget cut from R125 billion in 2024 to R113.6 billion in 2025. SAFTU’s Zwelinzima Vavi accused Mkhwanazi of misdiagnosing the issue, pointing to a poor 1:423 police-to-population ratio. Popcru’s Richard Mamabolo urged him to focus on crime, not economics, while social media lit up with quips, one user posting, “If Mkhwanazi chased criminals with the same energy he chases unions, KZN would be crime-free by now.” Another remarked, “Commissioner, stick to arrests, not economic theories!” The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) spokesperson Richard Mamabolo was equally blunt: “Unions defend workers’ dignity, not cause joblessness. Mkhwanazi is misdiagnosing the problem.”

Known for his anti-crime stance and recent political interference allegations, Mkhwanazi faces calls to address budget cuts and corruption instead of blaming workers. The clash highlights tensions over policing resources in crime hotspots like Inanda and uMlazi.

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