ATM asks Parliament to summon Public Protector over delay in Senzo Mchunu probe

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has asked Parliament to summon Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka to explain why an investigation into a complaint against suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has not been finalised nearly a year after it was lodged.

Party seeks oversight from justice committee

The ATM wrote to Xola Nqola, chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, requesting that the committee exercise oversight and call the Public Protector to account. ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula said the complaint was lodged with the Office of the Public Protector on July 7, 2025.

Allegations that prompted the complaint

The complaint followed allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. According to the letter, Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of political interference in criminal investigations, abusing executive authority, maintaining improper relationships with individuals linked to organised crime and playing a role in the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

Concern over the pace of the Public Protector’s work

Zungula told the committee that the lack of a final outcome after about 359 days required explanation. He said such delays risk undermining public confidence in the Office of the Public Protector and in the constitutional framework for holding members of the Executive accountable.

He also cited the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, which the party says requires the Public Protector to investigate alleged breaches of the Executive Ethics Code and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the President within 30 days of receiving a complaint. The Act, the letter notes, requires a progress report explaining reasons for delay where that deadline cannot be met.

What the ATM asked Parliament to do

The ATM requested that the Portfolio Committee summon Gcaleka in terms of Section 56 of the Constitution to explain the status of the investigation, the reasons for the delay and the expected timeline for its completion. The party asked the committee to prioritise the matter when Parliament resumes for the third term.

Context: suspension of the police minister and related inquiries

Senzo Mchunu is currently suspended following allegations of corruption, interference in police investigations and links to organised crime. The President placed him on special leave on July 13 and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.

Mkhwanazi’s allegations, as set out in the ATM’s letter, included claims that Mchunu was protecting criminal syndicates and drug cartels, interfering in sensitive investigations and ordering the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said he cannot dismiss Mchunu solely on the basis of allegations without a proper investigation and verified evidence, and he has denied Mchunu’s claim that the President approved the disbandment of the task team.

Parallel probe: the Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is also looking into related matters. The commission is in discussions with the Presidency over a possible extension of its deadlines as it works through witnesses and evidence. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that discussions with the Presidency were under way and said the commission has been under “huge pressure” because of the volume of witnesses and testimony.

Although the commission is expected to submit its final report by August 31, Michaels acknowledged that meeting the deadline would be extremely challenging. President Ramaphosa has said he is open to granting an extension should the commission formally request additional time.

Investigation and accountability

The ATM’s request frames the Public Protector’s unexplained delay as an issue of public interest and constitutional accountability. The party argues that allegations of the seriousness described in the complaint must be investigated thoroughly, impartially and within a reasonable timeframe.