KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has accused suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu of corruption linked to criminal cartel influence, claiming Mchunu manipulated police operations and interfered politically. Mkhwanazi presented allegations during parliamentary hearings in July 2025, citing Mchunu’s involvement in the disbandment of a crime-fighting task team and illicit docket transfers, according to Mail & Guardian.
Mchunu has firmly denied the accusations, demanding that Mkhwanazi produce concrete evidence to support the claims and calling the allegations defamatory. The dispute escalated in a parliamentary committee setting, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives about corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service (SAPS), reported by Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick.
The parliamentary ad hoc committee recently concluded its public hearings, hearing final testimony from Mkhwanazi who focused on police leadership challenges and highlighted individuals such as Crime Intelligence’s Shadrack Sibiya and officer Hilda Senthumule. The committee is expected to compile a report with recommendations following a contentious examination of national security governance, noted by Daily Maverick.
A key point of contention remains Mchunu’s controversial disbandment order of the political killings task team (PKTT), which sparked internal police backlash. National police commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that Mchunu issued the directive without consultation, raising suspicions that it aimed to halt investigations into businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala, as documented by Mail & Guardian.
Observers will be watching how the parliamentary committee’s report influences government action and whether it leads to policy reforms or further leadership changes within SAPS. The outcome could significantly affect anti-corruption efforts and political accountability in South Africa’s policing system.
Senzo Mchunu
Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
Fannie Masemola
KwaZulu-Natal
