Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal – Embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was recently placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa, says he is prepared to respond to serious corruption allegations before a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
Breaking his silence at the ANC Musa Dladla region’s International Mandela Day celebration, Mchunu emphasized the importance of fairness and due process, saying he looks forward to presenting his version of events following damaging accusations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“Everything has its own time. There was a time of allegations—now it’s time for those accused, like me, to tell their side of the story,” Mchunu said. “We are ready. I am ready.”
Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Claims
The scandal erupted earlier this month after Mkhwanazi held a bombshell press conference accusing Mchunu of interfering in police operations and colluding with criminal networks.
According to Mkhwanazi, Mchunu, alongside SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and politically connected fixer Brown “Comrade” Mogotsi, orchestrated the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in March 2025. He claimed that 121 active dockets—many linked to political assassinations—were shelved as a result.
Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, internal SAPS memos, and cellphone records allegedly connecting Mchunu and Mogotsi to individuals under investigation, including R360 million police contract recipient Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Mchunu Responds: “Let Justice Be Fair”
In his address on Tuesday, Mchunu pushed back against what he called a “one-sided justice” narrative.
“The day one person stands on a podium and says, ‘I suspect so-and-so,’ then claims to investigate, prosecute, and judge—that’s the end of justice in South Africa,” he warned.
“Justice means hearing both sides, regardless of the seriousness of the allegations.”
He said he supports President Ramaphosa’s decision to establish an inquiry and awaits the opportunity to testify.
Ramaphosa Resists Pressure to Fire Mchunu
In response to the public outcry, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation from the Union Buildings, confirming Mchunu’s special leave and announcing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the allegations.
Ramaphosa appointed Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as acting Minister of Police. In August, Professor Firoz Cachalia—former Wits academic—will take over the police portfolio.
Ramaphosa also rejected calls for Mchunu’s immediate dismissal.
“Some have said I should take immediate punitive steps based on untested allegations. Not only would this be unfair—it would create a dangerous precedent,” he told Parliament during his 2025/2026 budget vote address.
MK Party and Civic Protests Intensify
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party staged a march to the Union Buildings, joined by members of Defend South Africa and other civic organisations, calling for:
- Ramaphosa’s immediate resignation
- Mchunu’s permanent removal
- Support for Mkhwanazi’s claims
The MK Party also challenged Cachalia’s appointment as unconstitutional, citing that he is not a member of the National Assembly or Cabinet.
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela threatened to pursue “constitutional litigation, a motion of no confidence, and rolling mass action” if Ramaphosa fails to step down.
A Political Storm Brewing
With the commission yet to convene and more evidence expected to surface, the controversy surrounding Mchunu has opened deep fissures within the ruling ANC, the SAPS, and the public.
As South Africa watches closely, the question remains: Will this inquiry restore confidence in the justice system—or reveal deeper fractures within it?
