South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the immediate suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu amid serious allegations linking him to organized crime. During a live televised address to the nation, Ramaphosa revealed that a judicial commission would thoroughly investigate these claims, emphasizing their potential threat to national security and the constitution.
In response to the accusations, Mchunu, 67, has denied any wrongdoing and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the inquiry. He stated, “I stand ready to respond to the accusations and pledge my commitment to the process,” reinforcing his adherence to honour and integrity, two principles he believes are critical for public service.
The allegations against Mchunu surfaced when KwaZulu-Natal provincial police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi revealed he was receiving financial backing from a businessman with alleged links to corruption, aimed at funding his political activities. Furthermore, Mkhwanazi reported that Mchunu had interfered in investigations concerning political killings and the disbandment of a task force designed to probe such cases, claiming its disbandment was orchestrated to protect influential figures involved with a drug cartel.
Mchunu had previously justified the task force's dissolution by stating it was not effectively contributing to solving crimes in the province. However, Mkhwanazi argued that 121 case files were unaccounted for after Mchunu's actions and that some of these cases had actionable leads. Additionally, Mkhwanazi brought forward evidence, including messages and documented payments linking Mchunu to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, who was previously contracted by the police before being implicated in an attempted murder charge.
In light of these developments, Ramaphosa faces increasing pressure to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in South Africa’s law enforcement agencies as the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, law professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as the interim police minister while Mchunu remains on leave pending the outcome of the judicial commission's findings.
