South Africa is grappling with a deepening national security crisis following explosive allegations by a top police officer that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is obstructing investigations into politically motivated killings and shielding a criminal syndicate.
At a press briefing on Sunday, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi claimed that Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in December 2024 and suspended key appointments in crime intelligence.
He further alleged that Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, withdrew over 120 case dockets from the unit between January and April 2025, effectively stalling investigations into high-profile assassinations.
The task team, formed in 2018 after the murder of ANC activist Musawenkosi Qashana Mchunu, has secured over 120 convictions and 1,800 years in jail time.
Mkhwananzi said the recent arrest of businessman Vusimuzi Matlala – linked to a R360 million (about $20.5 million) police contract – uncovered alleged communications between Matlala, Mchunu and the minister’s political associate Brown Mogotsi.
“An analysis was conducted on [the] electronic communication of this syndicate. This analysis reveals communication between the arrested Matlala, Mr Brown Mogotsi — an associate of the minister of police — as well as the minister of police, Mr Senzo Mchunu,” Mkhwananzi said.
“Further analysis of the chats indicates Matlala is financially supporting the minister of police and Brown Mogotsi’s political endeavours. This is supported by the evidence of conversations and the proof of payments of guests for the January 8 travelling costs and a gala dinner table in Cape Town.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the matter as one of “grave national security concern”.
“This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest-priority attention,” Ramaphosa said.
He urged restraint, warning that public infighting threatens the integrity of the country’s security services.
“It is vital that the integrity of the country’s security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.”
Mchunu has denied all allegations, calling them “baseless” and said he would respond formally after reviewing the commissioner’s statements.
Opposition political parties have called on Ramaphosa to act on the allegations against Mchunu.
The Economic Freedom Fighters, Rise Mzansi, Action South Africa and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party have called for Mchunu’s suspension and a parliamentary inquiry.
JN/APA