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Suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu Hands Over Devices as Corruption Inquiry Deepens
A Minister Under Scrutiny
Suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu has officially handed over his electronic devices to police investigators, marking another major step in the ongoing inquiry into alleged interference in South Africa’s justice system.
According to his spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, Mchunu complied with investigators’ requests on Friday morning. The handover comes as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues its probe into allegations that Mchunu used his political influence to obstruct criminal investigations in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Allegations That Sparked It All
Mchunu was placed on special leave earlier this year after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly accused him of meddling in sensitive investigations.
During a high-profile briefing in July, Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu had ordered the disbandment of the Political Task Team, which had been investigating political killings and organised crime in the province. He claimed that Mchunu made the call under pressure from his associates, including businessman Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala and Brown Mogotsi.
Matlala, who was arrested for attempted murder earlier this year, had reportedly benefited from a R360 million police contract in 2024 and allegedly supported Mchunu’s political ambitions.
Mkhwanazi also accused senior police officials of working with drug cartels to stall investigations into the killings of public figures, suggesting that the interference went beyond politics and into the criminal underworld.
Ramaphosa Steps In
In response to the growing controversy, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to examine the claims of corruption and political interference. The president also appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister while Mchunu remains suspended.
Parallel to the commission, a Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee has been reviewing the same allegations, with Mchunu’s name repeatedly surfacing in witness testimonies.
Mchunu’s Defence
When called before Parliament, Mchunu defended his decision to dissolve the Political Killings Task Team, insisting that it had completed its mandate and no longer served a meaningful purpose.
He has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that his decisions as minister were based on institutional priorities, not personal alliances.
To manage media attention surrounding the case, Mchunu officially appointed Sthembiso Mshengu as his spokesperson earlier this month. Mshengu will oversee all communication linked to Mchunu’s appearances before both the Madlanga Commission and Parliament.
What Happens Next
Both the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee continue to examine the web of allegations connecting senior officials, crime syndicates, and political figures.
For now, Mchunu’s compliance with investigators’ requests, including the surrender of his digital devices, signals that the inquiry is entering a more technical phase, where data analysis may prove critical in determining the truth behind one of South Africa’s most politically charged corruption cases in years.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: African Times
