Mkhwanazi’s Evidence Puts Suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu in the Spotlight

Day 2 of the Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Commission resumed on Thursday with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi returning to the stand. This time, he arrived with documents he says expose how suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu interfered in politically sensitive investigations.

Among the files are internal memos, call logs, WhatsApp messages, and directives said to prove that Mchunu unlawfully disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in December 2024. The unit was reportedly on the verge of arresting high-profile suspects when it was abruptly shut down.

Allegations of interference

Mkhwanazi told the inquiry that the minister ordered the team’s closure and rerouted about 121 active dockets to Pretoria, where they were effectively buried. He accused Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of keeping the files in his office without follow-up, calling the move “political sabotage of law enforcement.”

The testimony suggests National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola was sidelined, raising questions about whether due process under the SAPS Act was violated.

Political links under scrutiny

The commission is also examining alleged connections between Mchunu and political associates Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala and Brown Mogotsi. According to Mkhwanazi, the two acted as intermediaries, passing on instructions that influenced SAPS deployments and senior appointments.

If proven, these claims could tie Mchunu directly to decisions that weakened investigations into political killings and corruption in KwaZulu-Natal.

What’s at stake

Commission Chair Justice Madlanga is expected to probe whether the minister’s directives compromised policing independence, a constitutional requirement. The findings could have serious implications not only for Mchunu but also for the credibility of SAPS leadership at a time when political violence remains a pressing national issue.

Mkhwanazi has framed the minister’s conduct as part of a deliberate attempt to shield powerful individuals from accountability. His testimony, now backed by documents, has set a high bar for the inquiry.

Public reaction

The revelations have sparked heated debate online. Some South Africans see the testimony as confirmation of long-held suspicions about political interference in police work, while others urge caution, saying the commission must weigh the evidence before drawing conclusions.

For now, Thursday’s session marks a turning point: the shift from allegations to hard evidence that could determine Senzo Mchunu’s political future.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com