Parly investigation launched into Police Minister Senzo Mchunu amid serious allegations

Allegations of collusion between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the criminal underworld are to be urgently considered by three committees, as assigned by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza. 

The Portfolio Committee on Police, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence have been instructed to investigate these claims.

This comes after political and civil organisations intensified calls on Wednesday for a commission of inquiry to be instituted while others called for parliament to act.

Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, has accused Minister Mchunu of obstructing police operations and shielding tenderpreneur Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. 

Mkhwanazi further alleged that Mchunu interfered with police work by unilaterally disbanding a task team investigating political killings, bypassing consultation with both national and provincial commissioners.

Didiza has requested that the committees investigate the various allegations made by Mkhwanazi concerning national security, and subsequently report their findings to the National Assembly. 

However, Didiza declined requests from the DA and other parties for a debate on the matter, stating it would be inappropriate given that the allegations are currently unsubstantiated.

The allegations had sparked widespread calls for an investigation, with various political parties and organisations demanding action from the government with the latest call for action coming from the African Transformation Movement's (ATM) parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula.

Zungula lodged a complaint with the public protector against Mchunu over the allegations.

In a letter to the public protector's office, Zungula characterised the situation as a blatant instance of executive misconduct, political interference and abuse of power.

"These revelations indicate nothing less than the direct capture of police power for private and political protection," Zungula stated. "This is not merely a policy or operational concern; it is an ethical and legal emergency. If such interference is allowed to continue without consequences, public faith in the rule of law and the legitimacy of our democratic institutions will be destroyed."

He asserted that the allegations are not speculative, but "are backed by digital communication records, WhatsApp messages, voice recordings, financial documentation, intercepted data, and operational reports. They form a factual matrix that points to a systematic effort by the minister to derail active investigations, protect criminal syndicates, and subvert the criminal justice system for political and private gain".

Zungula noted that the task team had made progress before its collapse. "Since the minister's directive, 121 dockets have been shelved, and cases implicating politically connected individuals have been obstructed. These actions not only undermine justice for victims but embolden criminal syndicates and signal that political connections offer protection from prosecution."

The DA has called for a joint parliamentary inquiry between the Portfolio Committees of Police and Justice to investigate the allegations, which was granted by Didiza, although she denied their request for a debate.

"We need to restore the integrity of the criminal justice system," said DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau in a statement. 

"It's vital that institutions are able to investigate and prosecute crime without fear, favour, or political interference".

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has also called for action, with its leader Julius Malema calling to South Africa citizens to rally behind Mkhwanazi. 

"We must never allow these criminals of the ANC to destroy Mkhwanazi,” Malema said.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately appoint an Independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired by a retired judge, to investigate the allegations.

 "The war against crime will not be won and South Africans will not be safe if the fish is rotten at the head, as alleged," said IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has also noted the allegations and called for a thorough investigation and an independent inquiry. 

"The Commission views these allegations as a significant challenge for SAPS, which plays a vital role in maintaining public order, ensuring the safety of all citizens, and securing constitutional democracy," the SAHRC said.

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has written to  Ramaphosa urging him to act immediately to address the allegations. 

"General Mkhwanazi's decision to break protocol and speak out, despite grave personal and professional risk, is a courageous and urgent call to action," said Maimane.

The GOOD Party had also called on the President to authorise a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe saying there were no other state agencies with the credibility and integrity to probe allegations of political interference in the criminal justice system, raised by Mkhwanazi.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za