Public Protector says probe into Senzo Mchunu is nearing completion

The Public Protector says its investigation into Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is at an advanced stage, while rejecting suggestions that it is duplicating the work of the Madlanga Commission.

Advanced stage but not finished

Advocate Nelisiwe Nkabinde, Chief Operations Officer at the Public Protector, told reporters the office was close to concluding the probe but was still following up on newly emerging information.

“We are at a very advanced stage, and the nature of such investigations is that as you think we are now closing, there is more information that becomes available,” Nkabinde said.

Why the investigation was opened

The inquiry follows a complaint by the African Transformation Movement (ATM) that related to a police commissioner’s press briefing on 6 July 2025. The enquiry was launched under the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, the Public Protector said, placing it within the institution’s legal mandate.

Allegations under review

The office said it is examining allegations that led to Mchunu being placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 13 July 2025. Those allegations include:

• Corruption and fraud;
• Political interference in policing;
• Use of state resources and political power to influence SAPS decisions;
• Allegations linking Mchunu to the big 5 cartel.

Not a parallel Madlanga Commission probe

Nkabinde said the Public Protector’s work is legally separate from the Madlanga Commission investigations and arises from the Executive Members’ Ethics Act.

“The matter was brought to the Public Protector in terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act,” she said.

Cooperation and next steps

The office said investigators have continued to seek additional information as they move toward concluding the matter, and that they had received full cooperation from relevant parties, including Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

“We are following up on that information as we edge closer to the end of the investigation,” Nkabinde said.

The Public Protector has not provided a definitive date for the release of its findings.