Political fallout: Who knew about Mchunu's allegations?
KZN, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s vow to defend the SAPS badge, even with his life, has sparked national debate, making him a fearless symbol of resistance against political interference in policing.
Image: Doctor Ncgobo/Independent Newspapers
There has been mixed reaction to the question of whether President Cyril Ramaphosa might have been aware for some time of the allegations of political interference against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, made public on Sunday by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of obstructing critical investigations by dismantling the Political Killings Task Team.
Mkhwanazi made the explosive claims during a press briefing claiming that Mchunu ordered the unilateral disbandment of the team and transferred 121 politically sensitive dockets to Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya's office, where they have since been allegedly "neutralised".
KZN police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, addressing the media during a briefing at the SAPS provincial headquarters in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: SAPS
He highlighted communications between Mchunu and a businessman as a crucial piece of evidence.
Despite Mchunu's parliamentary denial of knowing the businessman, Mkhwanazi asserts that a widely circulated social media phone recording contradicts this claim. This recording is considered one of the most damning pieces of evidence.
Both Mchunu and Sibiya have denied the allegations.
A party official from the GNU, who requested anonymity, said the Phala Phala saga was coming back to haunt Ramaphosa, because it was left unsolved.
"It's really dangerous for us right now to assume that President Ramaphosa knew of this. But the person (Mchunu) who is accused here is the same person who was defending him during the Phala Phala scandal. So we can't take it away from anyone who would say Ramaphosa is involved in a cover-up," the official said.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Another senior politician from the EFF said Ramaphosa was surrounding himself with allies that could succeed him to protect him from being prosecuted on the Phala Phala matter as soon as he leaves office in 2029.
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela claimed Ramaphosa knew of the accusations towards Mchunu and was planning to cover it up.
"What is happening in this country pertaining to national security has gone far beyond a 'grave concern'. If Ramaphosa can cover up Phala Phala, would it not be surprising if he was involved in covering up Mchunu's alleged shenanigans?" Ndhlela asked.
Build One SA (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane warned against jumping to conclusions.
"I say we wait for the Special Investigation Unit's proclamation and give it 30 days for us to be able to move forward."
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to questions on whether Ramaphosa knew about the allegations.
However, on Sunday, after Mkhwanazi’s bombshell, the presidency noted the statements made by Mkhwanazi and said it is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention.
President Ramaphosa will outline the actions to be taken on this matter on his return from the BRICS Leaders' Summit.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party took these allegations in a serious light.
"We call upon president Cyril Ramaphosa to act with the urgency and seriousness this matter demands," Mbalula said.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus