South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave following serious allegations linking him to organised crime networks, including claims of interference in high-profile corruption and political assassination investigations. In a nationally televised address on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa confirmed that a judicial commission of inquiry will be established to probe the wide-ranging accusations, which he described as a threat to the nation’s constitutional order and security.
The commission, to be led by South Africa’s Deputy Chief Justice, will investigate Mchunu, as well as current and former law enforcement officials and members of the national executive. Law professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed interim police minister pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The allegations against Mchunu were made public by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that the minister received financial backing from controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala to support his political ambitions. Matlala, who previously held a lucrative police contract, was arrested in May for attempted murder. Evidence reportedly includes payment records and text messages linking Matlala to Mchunu.
Mkhwanazi also accused Mchunu of orchestrating the disbandment of a special task force set up in 2018 to investigate political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, a province long plagued by political violence. The unit had allegedly uncovered connections between the killings and high-ranking politicians, police officials, and drug syndicates. According to Mkhwanazi, 121 active case dockets were pulled from the unit earlier this year on Mchunu’s instructions, with five cases ready for arrests. These files have reportedly remained untouched since March.
In response to the accusations, Mchunu, a powerful figure in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) who is seen as a possible contender in the party’s 2027 leadership race, has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, he expressed readiness to cooperate fully with the commission and pledged his commitment to truth and integrity.
President Ramaphosa’s decisive action follows mounting public and political pressure to address growing concerns over corruption and criminal infiltration in South Africa’s law enforcement agencies. The outcome of the judicial commission is expected to have far-reaching implications for political accountability and governance in the country.
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