MWE Correspondent
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave following explosive accusations that he conspired with criminal syndicates and obstructed high-level police investigations.
The move, announced on Sunday, comes amid rising public pressure and concerns over the integrity of the country’s criminal justice system.
The allegations were brought forward last week by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed at a media briefing that Mchunu received illicit payments and interfered in politically sensitive investigations. Mkhwanazi further alleged that Mchunu and other senior officials dismantled a specialized task force responsible for probing political assassinations in the province.
In response, Mchunu issued a statement through his office strongly denying the accusations, calling them “baseless” and “without merit.” He emphasized his dedication to upholding the law, and welcomed a full investigation into the matter.
Speaking in a televised address broadcast by SABC, President Ramaphosa announced the formation of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the claims and restore public confidence.
“These are serious allegations that cannot be ignored. They touch on the core of trust in our democratic institutions,” Ramaphosa said. “The people of South Africa deserve full transparency and accountability.”
Ramaphosa has appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia, a legal scholar and former member of parliament, as Acting Minister of Police while the inquiry is underway.
The political fallout could be significant. Mchunu, a prominent figure within the African National Congress (ANC), has long been considered a contender for the party’s top leadership ahead of its 2027 elective conference. His sudden removal may shift factional dynamics within the ruling party and raise broader questions about the ANC’s handling of internal misconduct.
The case also casts a harsh spotlight on South Africa’s chronic struggles with violent crime. A 2023 World Bank report estimated that crime reduces the country’s GDP by as much as 10% annually due to lost investment, business closures, and public insecurity.
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Faith in the South African Police Service (SAPS) has also been steadily declining, with many citizens perceiving the institution as plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and political interference.
Political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have welcomed the suspension but called for a full parliamentary probe. Civil society groups, including Corruption Watch, say the commission must be independent and thorough if it is to restore credibility.
The inquiry, expected to begin within weeks, will examine whether Mchunu or others interfered with police operations or collaborated with organized criminal networks. It is the fifth such commission launched by Ramaphosa since he came to power in 2018—a presidency largely defined by his effort to repair the damage done during the State Capture era under Jacob Zuma.
If the claims are proven, Mchunu could face criminal charges and a permanent end to his political career. If not, the government risks backlash for suspending a senior leader on unverified claims.
