Taxpayers paid R6.19m while Senzo Mchunu remained on special leave, Cachalia says

Taxpayers spent R6,187,364.48 on the ministerial remuneration of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia over a period covering July 2025 to August 2026, Cachalia said in a written reply to Parliament.

How much was paid and for what period

In the response to MK Party MP Emerald Madlala, Cachalia set out the separate amounts and the different payment periods. Cachalia’s remuneration totalled R3,024,834.58 for the period 1 August 2025 to 31 August 2026. Mchunu’s remuneration totalled R3,162,529.90 for the period 14 July 2025 to 31 August 2026. The combined total is R6,187,364.48.

Why the dates differ

Cachalia explained the differing start dates in his reply. He said President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave of absence on 13 July 2025, and Cachalia was appointed Acting Minister of Police with effect from 1 August 2025. Mchunu’s remuneration was therefore calculated from 14 July 2025, the day after his special leave began, while Cachalia’s was calculated from 1 August 2025.

Legal basis for ministerial pay

Cachalia noted that ministerial remuneration is determined under section 4(1) of the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998, with adjustments published in the Government Gazette.

Events surrounding Mchunu’s special leave

Mchunu was placed on special leave after allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about political interference in the police and the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team. Those allegations led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has been examining the allegations.

Recent police action and spokesperson’s response

Police served Mchunu with a Johannesburg High Court search-and-seizure warrant at his family home in KwaZulu-Natal. The warrant authorised the seizure of cellular phones linked to specific IMEI numbers; the warrant identified at least six devices, although only one phone was confiscated during the latest operation.

“As a law-abiding citizen and in the presence of his attorney, Minister Mchunu handed over the handset in line with the directive of the court,”

The quote above was attributed to Mchunu’s spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu. Mshengu also said police had taken communication devices from Mchunu on a previous occasion and that the first set had not been returned. He said:

“Minister Mchunu will address these developments and many other matters that evolve around his name in the coming weeks,”

Parliamentary question that prompted the disclosure

The disclosure of the remuneration totals followed a parliamentary question from MK Party MP Emerald Madlala, who asked Cachalia how much had been spent on the remuneration of both ministers since Mchunu was placed on special leave.