South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu Suspended Amidst Serious Allegations

In a significant development that has sent ripples through South Africa’s political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on an immediate “leave of absence.” This decisive action follows grave allegations linking the minister to organized crime, claims that President Ramaphosa asserts “undermine the constitution and threaten national security.” The President made this announcement during a live televised address to the nation on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Stepping in to fill the crucial role during this period, respected law professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as the interim police minister. Professor Cachalia’s mandate will be to ensure the stability and continued functioning of the South African Police Service (SAPS) while the investigations are underway.

Minister Mchunu, a prominent figure within Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) party, has vehemently denied all accusations leveled against him. In a statement released following the President’s address, Mchunu declared his readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation, stating, “Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold.” The 67-year-old minister, who has been a key player in South African politics, has also been a subject of speculation regarding a potential leadership bid in the ANC’s upcoming elective conference in 2027.

Judicial Commission to Probe Allegations

President Ramaphosa emphasized the gravity of the allegations, which reportedly include interference in sensitive investigations concerning political assassinations and widespread corruption within law enforcement. To address these serious claims, a judicial commission has been established. This commission, to be headed by the nation’s deputy chief justice, will undertake a thorough and comprehensive examination of all the allegations. Its scope will extend to investigating current and former police officials, as well as members of the national executive, highlighting the potential far-reaching implications of the probe.

Roots of the Allegations

The controversy first surfaced publicly through statements made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, during a press conference the previous Sunday. Gen Mkhwanazi detailed a series of events and claims, including allegations that Minister Mchunu received financial backing from a businessman implicated in corrupt activities to support his political aspirations.

Furthermore, Gen Mkhwanazi pointed to the controversial disbandment of a specialized task force, established in 2018, which was dedicated to investigating a spate of political killings, predominantly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. According to Gen Mkhwanazi, this unit had reportedly uncovered links between high-profile individuals—spanning politicians, police officers, and business figures connected to a drug cartel syndicate—which may have led to its dissolution. Minister Mchunu had previously stated that the unit was “not adding value,” despite numerous cases remaining unresolved.

Adding another layer to the accusations, Gen Mkhwanazi claimed that approximately 121 case files were allegedly removed from the disbanded unit under the minister’s directive, without the authorization of the national police commissioner, Gen Fannie Masemola. These files, he stated, have remained uninvestigated since March, despite five of them reportedly having arrest directives. Gen Mkhwanazi also presented evidence, including text messages and payment records, allegedly from Vusimuzi Matlala, a businessman whose lucrative contract with the police was terminated after his arrest for attempted murder in May, to substantiate claims of financial support for the minister’s political career.

The unfolding situation places President Ramaphosa under intense public scrutiny to act decisively against corruption and maintain the integrity of state institutions. The suspension of Minister Mchunu and the establishment of a judicial commission represent a significant step in addressing these deeply concerning allegations.