South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave following explosive allegations of collusion with a criminal syndicate and obstruction of justice.
The allegations were made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of interfering in high-profile investigations and dismantling a police unit probing politically motivated killings. Mkhwanazi claimed that over 100 case files were removed from the unit and have since been ignored, allegedly to shield politicians and officers tied to organized crime.
Mchunu has denied the accusations, calling them unfounded and politically motivated. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, he reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law.
President Ramaphosa, who came into office on an anti-corruption mandate, responded to growing public and political pressure by announcing the formation of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly. He appointed law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister during the investigation.
“These allegations demand urgent and transparent scrutiny,” Ramaphosa said in a national broadcast. He emphasized the need to protect the integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system, which has been under increasing strain due to high crime rates — a concern long flagged by investors and the World Bank, which estimates crime costs the country around 10% of its GDP annually.
The scandal has triggered calls for deeper accountability, with the Democratic Alliance — the ANC’s main coalition partner — demanding a parliamentary inquiry, while some opposition parties are pushing for Mchunu’s suspension.
Mchunu, a prominent figure within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), is widely viewed as a potential contender in the party’s 2027 leadership race. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact both his political future and public trust in South Africa’s leadership.
