President Ramaphosa Suspends Police Minister Senzo Mchunu Over Corruption and Criminal Syndicate Allegations

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the announcement (image source)

In a dramatic step to reinforce accountability and the rule of law, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu over serious allegations of corruption and interference in ongoing police investigations. The announcement was made on July 13, 2025, after KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of colluding with criminal syndicates and obstructing justice.

President Ramaphosa explained the decision as necessary for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to carry out its work without hindrance. “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,” he said. Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed acting Minister of Police during the inquiry. The allegations are centered around the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in March 2025—a specialized unit investigating politically motivated assassinations tied to organized crime. Mkhwanazi presented evidence, including WhatsApp messages and police files, indicating that 121 active dockets were withdrawn, some involving high-profile political killings. “This was no accident. It was a calculated move to shield a criminal syndicate embedded in law enforcement and politics,” Mkhwanazi stated. Since its inception in 2018, the task team had managed over 600 cases and secured more than 100 convictions, making it a key force in tackling political violence.

Mchunu, who served as Minister of Water and Sanitation before being appointed Police Minister in July 2024, has denied the allegations. In a formal response, he expressed support for the process and a commitment to transparency: “I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold.” Public and political pressure has been mounting, with opposition leaders and civil society demanding decisive action to restore trust in South Africa’s policing institutions. Investors and citizens alike have expressed concern over the erosion of justice, particularly given World Bank estimates that crime costs South Africa approximately 10% of its GDP each year.

President Ramaphosa also announced the formation of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to be led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The commission will investigate whether senior officials enabled or benefitted from corruption, failed to act on intelligence, or interfered with law enforcement operations. Parliamentary Police Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron welcomed the inquiry, stating, “The inquiry must not be cosmetic but must lead to a proper clean-up of the entire justice system.” Justice Committee Chairperson Xola Nqola echoed these sentiments, warning that public confidence in the justice system is at stake.

Analysts say the move signals Ramaphosa’s renewed commitment to curbing corruption within his administration, especially as the ANC battles internal divisions and voter skepticism ahead of the next elections. Interestingly, some observers pointed to a prediction from a Pretoria-based sangoma who foresaw a Cabinet reshuffle rather than a suspension—fueling speculation that Mchunu may eventually be reassigned.

Also implicated is political associate Brown Mogotsi, who allegedly communicated with controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Matlala had secured a R360 million police contract in 2024, later cancelled under scrutiny amid broader corruption concerns. The unfolding investigation is expected to shed further light on the extent of political and criminal collusion in South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.