South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is facing damning accusations of interfering in high-profile murder investigations and alleged financial ties to a corrupt businessman, in a scandal that has sent shockwaves through law enforcement and political circles.
The allegations were made publicly by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a bombshell press briefing on Sunday. He claimed that Mchunu orchestrated the disbandment of a specialised task team investigating politically linked murders, many involving politicians, police officials, and alleged drug cartel affiliates.
According to Mkhwanazi, 121 case dockets were unlawfully removed from the unit in March and left uninvestigated at police headquarters, despite five of them having approved arrest warrants. The minister allegedly receives financial backing from businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, whose police contract was abruptly cancelled after his arrest for attempted murder in May. Mkhwanazi presented text messages and payment records as evidence.
The disbanded unit, established in 2018, was probing assassinations of politicians primarily in KwaZulu-Natal, a province notorious for political killings. Mkhwanazi suggested the team was deliberately dismantled because its investigations were getting too close to powerful figures. When Mchunu dissolved the unit earlier this year, he claimed it was not adding value, despite numerous unsolved cases.
Mchunu has dismissed the allegations as wild and baseless, while President Cyril Ramaphosa called them a grave national security concern and promised urgent intervention. Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said he would address the matter later this week when announcing an interim crime intelligence boss. This follows the arrest of Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, the suspended crime intelligence head, over fraud and corruption linked to misused intelligence funds.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on South Africa’s crime intelligence division, already under fire for alleged corruption and inefficiency. Analysts warn that if proven, Mkhwanazi’s claims could destabilise the police ministry and deepen public distrust in law enforcement. “This isn’t just about one minister, it’s about whether South Africa’s justice system is being manipulated to protect criminals in high places,” said political analyst Ralph Mathekga.
With Ramaphosa’s administration under pressure to act, the coming days could determine whether Mchunu faces a formal inquiry or if the allegations will be swept under the rug.
