Update: 15 July
President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing criticism after placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave pending the outcome of a judicial commission of inquiry into his alleged links to organised crime.
According to the City Press, opposition parties have called the move unconstitutional, with some describing it as a ‘cover-up’ that allows Mchunu to remain on full pay while under investigation. The Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), ActionSA and GOOD Party have all raised concerns.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said the government must act with urgency. ‘South Africans don’t need another slow, expensive commission. We need answers now,’ he said.
MKP said ‘This appointment violates Section 98, read with Section 93 of the Constitution. It clearly is beyond the president’s powers, a breach of the rule of law and therefore irrational’
The inquiry follows explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He claimed Mchunu interfered with SAPS operations, shut down the province’s political killings task team, and protected criminal networks.
ActionSA questioned why Mchunu remains on paid leave, calling it a misuse of public funds. GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron added that the allegations point to a broader failure of political accountability.
Ramaphosa has appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister while the inquiry unfolds. The president has defended his decision, saying the inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will ensure a fair and transparent process.
The Presidency has not confirmed when the commission will begin its work.
Update: 14 July
Ramaphosa suspends Mchunu over alleged links to crime
South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on immediate leave following damning allegations linking him to organised crime, the disbandment of a task force investigating political killings, and corrupt dealings with a controversial businessman.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made the dramatic announcement during a televised address to the nation on Sunday evening, citing ‘grave threats’ to the constitution and national security. In response, he has launched a sweeping judicial inquiry into the allegations and appointed law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.
The investigation, to be headed by the country’s deputy chief justice, will examine whether Mchunu interfered with police work to protect high-ranking figures, and whether his political ambitions were bankrolled by criminal enterprises, as reported by the BBC. The scope of the probe includes both current and former police and executive officials.
‘This moment demands accountability at the highest level,’ Ramaphosa told the nation, as pressure mounts for his administration to clamp down on corruption and political violence within the ANC’s ranks.
Mchunu (67), a senior figure in the ruling party and a possible contender for future ANC leadership, has denied all wrongdoing. ‘I fully support the president’s decision,’ he said in a statement. ‘I will cooperate with the inquiry to clear my name. I remain committed to the principles of honour and integrity.’
But the allegations, first made public by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, paint a troubling picture.
According to Mkhwanazi, Mchunu was instrumental in dissolving a special task force investigating a wave of political killings across KwaZulu-Natal, despite dozens of open cases and several pending arrests. He claims that the unit was closing in on a nexus of politicians, police, and businesspeople with links to a drug cartel.
Mkhwanazi also alleged that Mchunu ordered 121 sensitive case dockets to be removed and sent to police headquarters in Pretoria, where they have since sat untouched. ‘Five of those cases had clear instructions for arrest,’ he said.
Even more disturbing are the financial links allegedly tying Mchunu to Vusimuzi Matlala, a businessman arrested in May for attempted murder. Matlala, who previously held a lucrative police contract, is accused of funding Mchunu’s political activities, including through direct payments. Screenshots of text messages and bank transactions have reportedly been handed over as evidence.
Opposition parties have called for Mchunu’s immediate dismissal, while watchdog groups say the allegations raise concerns about the politicisation of the police.
The ANC is no stranger to political scandals, but this latest bombshell, centred on a powerful security minister and accusations of shielding a political hit squad, could send shockwaves through an already divided party.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images
