President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and ordered a comprehensive inquiry following explosive allegations of collusion with organised crime networks and interference in political murder investigations.
WHAT HAPPENED
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KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu on July 7 of receiving payments from suspects, dismantling a task team probing political killings, and obstructing justice by moving 121 case dockets linked to high-profile assassinations.
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President Ramaphosa, addressing the allegations while attending the BRICS summit in Brazil, described them as a “grave national security concern” and ordered urgent and independent scrutiny of Mchunu’s conduct
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OFFICIAL RESPONSES & CALLS FOR ACTION
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Mchunu has denied the accusations as baseless, insisting on his integrity and pledging cooperation with any investigation.
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The public protector and ANC-aligned figures like Fikile Mbalula (ANC SG) and civil society groups, including SAHRC and the South African Council of Churches, have called for formal investigations, possible suspension, and a judicial commission of inquiry
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The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has lodged a public protector complaint, labelling the allegations as “ethical and legal emergency” and demanding an independent probe into Mchunu, his associates, and the dismantling of the task team.
PARLIAMENTARY RESPONSES
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Speaker Thoko Didiza has mandated three parliamentary committees the portfolios on Police and Justice & Constitutional Development (in public) and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (in closed session) to urgently investigate the matter.
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Opposition leaders, including the EFF’s Julius Malema and the DA’s John Steenhuisen, have urged for Mchunu’s immediate suspension and a full public inquiry, paralleling previous precedents such as the firing of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield for travel violations.
WHY IT MATTERS
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Allegations suggest a deep-seated syndicate that potentially influences law enforcement and judicial systems, undermining public confidence in the SAPS and the broader criminal justice framework.
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Experts warn that failure to act decisively could erode the ANC’s credibility and impair morale within the police service, severely impacting crime fighting effectiveness nationwide .
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
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Minister Mchunu’s leave is in effect, removing him temporarily from duties.
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A broad inquiry, potentially chaired by a retired judge, is expected to review evidence WhatsApp logs, case docket shifts, financial records, and recordings.
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Parliamentary committees will proceed with open hearings while intelligence oversight bodies conduct sensitive reviews behind closed doors.
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Civil society continues advocating for accountability and institutional reform pending inquiry outcomes.
