Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has criticised the Hawks for raiding the home of comedian Anton Taylor.
The raid followed a satirical video Taylor shared on social media, in which he portrayed an international criminal operating in South Africa.
Cameron described the Hawks’ actions as “North Korea–esque,” calling it one of the highest forms of political overreach and interference.
PROVOCATIVE VIDEO IS NOT CRIMINAL
Cameron said the raid is an abuse of power and should be considered criminal. He emphasised that while the video may be provocative, it does not constitute a crime.
“The Hawks, as a specialised crime-fighting unit, should know better than to be weaponised against a citizen exercising free expression. South Africa cannot allow political figures to use the state to shield themselves from satire and criticism,” said Cameron.
Taylor’s video, posted on 29 March 2025, featured a character who was an international criminal. He celebrated the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probe into KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In the clip, the character claims the KZN top cop is disrupting his crimes. He also alleged he had bribed then-police minister Senzo Mchunu to orchestrate the investigation. The character said he offered Mchunu cash, a BMW and three sex workers.
“The reason I get them to investigate Mkhwanazi is because I’m telling them, you are next. Mkhwanazi is not stopping with these hijackers and the criminals, and the drug mafia. He’s coming for the politicians. So, I convinced them they must be very scared,” the character said.
MKHWANAZI’S ALLEGATIONS
In April this year, IPID cleared Mkhwanazi of any wrongdoing. Shortly afterwards, he held an explosive press conference, accusing Mchunu of colluding with high-profile criminals.
Mchunu was subsequently placed on special leave, and a commission of inquiry was established to investigate the claims. However, the hearings have since been delayed.
DO YOU THINK THE HAWKS’ RAID WAS A JUSTIFIED RESPONSE TO SATIRE?
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