South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave of absence following serious allegations linking him to organised crime. Law professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as the interim police minister.
In a nationally televised address on Sunday, President Ramaphosa announced the formation of a judicial commission, led by the deputy chief justice, to investigate the claims. He emphasised that the allegations undermine the country’s constitution and pose a threat to national security.
The allegations, first made public by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, include interference in investigations into political assassinations and internal corruption within law enforcement. According to Gen Mkhwanazi, Mchunu allegedly orchestrated the disbandment of a specialised task force investigating political killings, primarily in KwaZulu-Natal. The unit reportedly uncovered links between politicians, police officers, and business figures connected to a drug cartel.
The general further claimed that 121 investigation dockets were removed from the task force without proper authorisation, including five that had recommended arrests. These files have reportedly remained inactive since March.
Gen Mkhwanazi also accused Mchunu of receiving financial backing from controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, whose lucrative contract with the police was cancelled following his arrest for attempted murder in May. Text messages and a payment were allegedly presented as evidence of the connection.
Mchunu, 67, has denied any wrongdoing and pledged his full cooperation. “Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to,” he said in a statement, welcoming the president’s decision and the upcoming inquiry.
The scandal has intensified political pressure on President Ramaphosa, who is already facing criticism over rising crime and corruption. Mchunu is a prominent figure within the African National Congress (ANC) and has been viewed as a potential contender for the party’s leadership at its 2027 elective conference.
The judicial inquiry will also examine the involvement of other current and former police officials, as well as members of the national executive, as part of a broader effort to restore integrity in South Africa’s security services.
