Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is considering reversing his earlier decision to step aside from party duties within the African National Congress as he seeks to resume his organisational responsibilities.
Mchunu is expected to write to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula requesting permission to return to his roles within party structures.
The development follows Mchunu’s recent appearances before a parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he addressed allegations related to the disbandment of a specialised police unit and claims of interference in police operations.
Controversy Over Political Killings Task Team
The controversy stems from accusations by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) on 31 December 2024 without consulting national police leadership.
According to Mkhwanazi, the move may have been intended to shield politically connected individuals.
He further claimed that the minister had links to controversial businessman Vusumusi Matlala, allegations that Mchunu has denied.
The accusations prompted scrutiny from both Parliament and investigative bodies, leading to Mchunu being placed on special leave from his position as Police Minister.
Decision to Resume ANC Responsibilities
Mchunu’s spokesperson Sithembiso Mshengu confirmed that the minister is considering writing to Mbalula following the completion of preparations for his appearances before the parliamentary committee and the commission of inquiry.
According to Mshengu, Mchunu initially stepped aside voluntarily by writing to the ANC leadership, requesting to pause his participation in party structures while addressing the allegations.
Although the ANC’s National Executive Committee rejected his request to formally step aside, he voluntarily withdrew from his roles on both the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee to focus on responding to the accusations.
“He is now in a position where he believes that he is ready to resume his duties without being pressured by the preparation of statements,” Mshengu said, adding that Mchunu has not been formally charged with any crime.
Support From Religious Leaders
Support for Mchunu has also emerged from religious leaders.
Over the weekend, around 32 churches from different districts across KwaZulu-Natal attended a prayer service in Durban in support of the suspended minister.
Mchunu has been on special leave since July last year as investigations and hearings into the allegations continue.
Analysts Warn of Political Challenges
Political analysts have cautioned that Mchunu’s attempt to return to ANC structures could prove politically difficult.
Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast said the allegations raised during parliamentary hearings have significantly damaged Mchunu’s public image.
According to Breakfast, testimony presented during the proceedings, including claims about financial links to businessman Matlala, could make it difficult for Mchunu to regain credibility.
“It is going to be very difficult for him to redeem himself,” Breakfast said, adding that several witnesses reportedly confirmed receiving money from Matlala, which appeared to support parts of Mkhwanazi’s claims.
Breakfast also suggested that it would appear contradictory for Mchunu to resume party duties after voluntarily stepping aside.
Concerns Over Political Motives
Another political analyst, Sandile Swana, argued that Mchunu’s move may be driven by political considerations rather than purely legal ones.
According to Swana, remaining active within ANC leadership structures could strengthen Mchunu’s political position while investigations continue.
“He is not doing this because he sincerely believes he is innocent, but because holding a powerful position inside the ANC is part of a weapon to defend yourself against any legal processes and charges,” Swana said.
ANC Step-Aside Rule Under Scrutiny
The controversy has once again drawn attention to the ANC’s step-aside rule, an internal party policy adopted in 2017 to combat corruption and restore public trust.
The rule requires party members charged with serious crimes or corruption to voluntarily step down from leadership positions in both the party and government.
However, because Mchunu has not been formally charged, the policy does not automatically apply to his case.
As discussions continue within ANC leadership structures, the decision on whether Mchunu will be allowed to resume his party responsibilities is expected to rest with the organisation’s senior leadership.
