President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu from duty as corruption allegations swirl around the top cop. The president ordered a judicial commission to probe damaging claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ramaphosa told the nation that citizens fear rising crime and corruption plaguing the country. The dramatic move comes after Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of deliberately destroying a specialized police unit. The commissioner claims Mchunu shut down the Political Killings Task Team back in March.
Mkhwanazi presented damning evidence including WhatsApp messages, official police documents, and phone records to support his accusations. The police boss alleged Mchunu orchestrated a systematic campaign to dismantle the anti-corruption unit. He pointed fingers at Brown Mogotsi, described as Mchunu's close associate, for secretly communicating with criminal suspects. Mogotsi allegedly contacted businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who landed a massive R360 million police contract last year. Authorities have already scrapped the controversial deal following the scandal.
Opposition parties from across the political spectrum demanded Mchunu's immediate dismissal from cabinet. The Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance, MK Party, ActionSA and IFP united in calling for the minister's head. Political pressure mounted on Ramaphosa to take decisive action against his embattled police chief. The president appointed acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead the investigation. The commission will examine whether Mchunu deliberately sabotaged efforts to investigate political assassinations.
Mkhwanazi presented damning evidence including WhatsApp messages, official police documents, and phone records to support his accusations. The police boss alleged Mchunu orchestrated a systematic campaign to dismantle the anti-corruption unit. He pointed fingers at Brown Mogotsi, described as Mchunu's close associate, for secretly communicating with criminal suspects. Mogotsi allegedly contacted businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who landed a massive R360 million police contract last year. Authorities have already scrapped the controversial deal following the scandal.
Opposition parties from across the political spectrum demanded Mchunu's immediate dismissal from cabinet. The Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance, MK Party, ActionSA and IFP united in calling for the minister's head. Political pressure mounted on Ramaphosa to take decisive action against his embattled police chief. The president appointed acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead the investigation. The commission will examine whether Mchunu deliberately sabotaged efforts to investigate political assassinations.
