President Ramaphosa Responds to Serious Allegations Against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu
Picture Credit:NEWS24
By Thulane Madalane
Rio de Janeiro:President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the serious allegations raised during a media briefing today by the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal (SAPS KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The accusations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, which include alleged ties to criminal gangs and interference in police investigations into politically motivated murders, have been labeled as matters of “grave national security concern.”
In a statement, President Ramaphosa emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention. It is vital that the integrity of the country’s security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.” He called on all parties involved to “exercise discipline and restraint,” cautioning that the exchange of accusations undermines public confidence and damages the unity and focus of the police force.
The President will provide a detailed outline of the actions to be taken on this matter upon his return from the BRICS Leaders’ Summit currently taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi alleged that Minister Mchunu has been receiving financial backing from a allegedly corrupt businessman to support his political aspirations. These serious claims come in the wake of investigations into the recent disbandment of a task force that was created in 2018 to investigate a string of political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Mkhwanazi, the task force’s work uncovered connections to high-profile individuals—including politicians, police officials, and businesspersons associated with drug cartels. He asserted that this led to the “orchestrated” dissolution of the unit on the grounds that it was not contributing value, despite ongoing unsolved cases.
Mkhwanazi further revealed that a total of 121 case files were allegedly ordered to be removed from the task force on Mchunu’s instructions, and these dockets have been idle at police headquarters since March, stalling critical investigations. “Five of these dockets already had instructions to effect arrests,” he said.
The provincial police chief pointed to a controversial businessman, Vusimuzi Matlala, who had a lucrative contract with the police, asserting that Matlala was financially supporting Mchunu’s political career. This contract was suspended following Matlala’s arrest for attempted murder in May. Mkhwanazi shared copies of text messages and a payment to bolster his claims.
In the midst of these developments, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola indicated that he would address the allegations later in the week while announcing the appointment of a temporary crime intelligence chief, following the arrest of Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo over fraud and corruption charges. Khumalo’s case is part of a broader investigation into potential misuse of intelligence funds and unlawful appointments within SAPS.
Public reaction to the allegations has been intense, particularly regarding Mkhwanazi’s press conference, which some have condemned as detrimental to the integrity of the criminal justice system. Critics argue that Mkhwanazi’s actions, such as appearing in combat gear accompanied by armed men, were inappropriate and could be construed as a challenge to the government or the police force itself.
In light of these serious allegations, prominent figures such as private investigator Paul O’Sullivan have called for accountability, urging for a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate Masemola and Mkhwanazi’s conduct. O’Sullivan accused Mkhwanazi of undermining the justice system and suggested that both officials should be suspended pending an investigation into their actions.
As this situation continues to unfold, the implications for both the police force and broader South African society are substantial, highlighting the ongoing challenges of governance and integrity within the country’s security services.
