A leaked audio recording allegedly shows KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi discussing possible extra charges against musician Paul “Tsaka” Madubanya.
The recording was obtained by Sunday World. It allegedly captures Mkhwanazi speaking to investigator Captain Phaladi Makola about the case against the musician.
“I think the more cases that are brought to him, the more others are going to learn a lesson from it,” Mkhwanazi is allegedly heard saying.
Tsaka is facing a crimen injuria case. It relates to alleged insults he made during a broadcast on Thobela FM.
According to the report, the remarks also targeted President Cyril Ramaphosa and Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. In the call, Mkhwanazi appears to suggest that Tsaka should be made an example of.
Mkhwanazi allegedly asks whether insults aimed at him and his wife could be added to the existing case. He also asks whether they could be pursued as a separate case.
He allegedly tells Makola that more cases against Tsaka could serve as a warning to others. He later says the musician had allegedly insulted other well-known people and needed to be taught a lesson.
Makola allegedly replies that the insults involving Mkhwanazi, Ramaphosa and Madlanga were not part of the existing case. He explains that they had been raised when the State opposed Tsaka’s bail application.
Sunday World shared the story on 11 November 2026. The paper said Mkhwanazi denies abusing his authority.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe defended Mkhwanazi. She said the call should be understood in the context of alleged insults and threats aimed at him and his wife.
Mathe said it was not unusual for senior police officers to talk about policing matters and ongoing investigations.
She said Mkhwanazi was a victim in the matter. She added that he had the right to report alleged criminal conduct.
According to Mathe, there was no instruction to unlawfully arrest, intimidate, victimise or interfere with Tsaka or the investigation.
She said his comments about making an example of the musician should be read within the context of the call and the alleged conduct.
The leak has raised questions about whether senior police officials should influence decisions in an active criminal case, Bona reported.
Some social media users defended Mkhwanazi. They argued that public figures should not be able to make threatening or abusive remarks without consequences.
Others raised concerns about a senior police official possibly influencing a case against someone accused of insulting him.
The debate has turned to the line between a person’s right to report a crime and a police officer’s duty to keep investigations fair.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Bona. Image: Bona. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.