President Cyril Ramaphosa is taking the bombshell allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu with the “utmost seriousness,” according to Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. In a decisive response, Ramaphosa has placed Mchunu on a leave of absence and appointed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the claims, signaling a high-stakes moment for the country’s criminal justice and political systems.
The allegations—publicly revealed by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6—are nothing short of explosive. Mchunu stands accused of interfering in high-level police investigations, colluding with criminal syndicates, and disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, a crucial unit targeting politically motivated violence in the province.
Ramaphosa’s swift action includes appointing Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to chair the inquiry, a move aimed at ensuring judicial independence and restoring public trust. Magwenya stressed the President’s firm stance on transparency and accountability, noting that Ramaphosa has already engaged directly with Mkhwanazi and other key figures to address what is increasingly viewed as a national security emergency.
The outcome of this inquiry could reshape the future of law enforcement oversight in South Africa—and determine whether political protection or justice prevails.
