Suspended KZN Correctional Commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele nabbed on fraud and money laundering charges

Suspended KwaZulu-Natal Correctional Services Commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele has been arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering, authorities have confirmed.

Nxele was placed on precautionary suspension in May 2025 following allegations of corruption linked to procurement processes within the Department of Correctional Services.

His arrest comes after he publicly claimed that he was being victimised for exposing alleged irregularities involving inflated prison food supply contracts. Nxele alleged that the contracts implicated National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale and that his suspension was a consequence of his whistleblowing activities.

The latest development unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into procurement irregularities and alleged corruption within the correctional services sector.

The SIU has for several years been probing contracts and spending practices at the department as part of broader efforts to root out maladministration and financial misconduct.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the full details of the charges against Nxele, while further investigations into the matter are expected to continue.