POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on leave of absence with immediate effect.
This was the address by President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, on Sunday evening, during ‘family meeting’.
The President also appointed a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, against Mchunu.
Mkhwanazi, during a media brief in Durban, claimed that Mchunu and senior police leadership are linked to a criminal syndicate with ties to drug cartels.
“The allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security,” says the President.
“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.”
Pres Ramaphosa said the Commission would have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution.
“In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect,” Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
“The minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work.”
The no-nonsense Lt- Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of disbanding the Political Killings Task Team in March, effectively withdrawing 121 active dockets, many linked to politically motivated killings.
He presented WhatsApp messages, South African Police Service (SAPS) documents, and cellphone records, alleging a coordinated effort to dismantle the unit.
Brown Mogotsi, a “comrade” of Mchunu, from the North West province, including controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who secured a R360 million SAPS contract in 2024, are tainted in this unfolding saga.
The contract was cancelled.
‘Cat’ Matlala, along with his wife known as TK and other two suspects, appeared at the Alexandra Court last Thursday and case has been postponed to August.
The six-month enquiry will be chaired by acting deputy chief justice Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.
Former Gauteng MEC for Safety, now Wits University Professor of Law, Firoz Cachalia is the new acting Police minister.
Cachalia is also the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.
In response Mchunu says he welcomes the move and will cooperate with relevant authorities should the need arise. In Mchunu, many saw the change within the Police sector and believed in his approach.
Various political commentators and political parties welcomed the move, yet some cited Mchunu should have been fired, just like the President did with DA’s Andrew Whitfield (former dep minister- Trade, Industry and Competition) for insubordination after flying to US.
The plot thickens…
Image (Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has been placed on leave of absence with immediate effect).
