South Africa’s Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, faces serious accusations of gang ties and interfering with murder investigations.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made the explosive allegations during a tense press briefing on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
He claimed Minister Mchunu received financial backing from a businessman linked to a notorious drug cartel.
Mkhwanazi also accused Mchunu of abruptly disbanding a special police task team targeting politically motivated assassinations.
The team, formed in 2018, had made progress in investigating several high-profile political murders across KwaZulu-Natal.
Despite the progress, Mchunu ordered the task force shut down earlier this year, citing inefficiency.
Mkhwanazi argued this move was part of a broader plot to shield powerful suspects from prosecution.
He alleged he possesses text messages and financial records linking Mchunu to the accused businessman.
That businessman, identified only as Matlala, was arrested in May for attempted murder.
The police commissioner insisted the shutdown of the task force obstructed key political murder probes.
Minister Mchunu has denied the “wild allegations” and refused to step down.
President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by calling the issue a “grave national security concern.”
He said the allegations have “the highest priority attention” from his administration.
National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola promised to address the matter later this week.
He plans to speak during the appointment of a new acting crime intelligence head.
That post became vacant after the arrest of Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo last month.
Khumalo and six others face fraud and corruption charges involving abuse of police intelligence funds.
The scandal adds pressure to the ruling ANC, already battling declining public trust over police corruption.
Analysts warn the controversy may further erode confidence in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Civil society groups have called for an independent investigation into the claims.
Meanwhile, opposition parties demand Mchunu’s suspension pending a formal inquiry.
