Senzo Mchunu denies corruption allegations

 

South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied corruption allegations made against him by the KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner, stating he accepts and supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place him on special leave. The minister said he stands ready to fully respond to charges and uphold his honour and integrity.

The allegations, according to Times LIVE, stem from a public briefing by Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed Mchunu colluded with criminal syndicates, halted investigations into politically motivated killings, and received illicit payments from a person under corruption investigation. In response, President Ramaphosa announced a judicial commission of inquiry and placed Mchunu on leave with immediate effect, appointing Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister of police.

 

Mchunu dismissed the accusations as baseless and offered his willingness to engage fully with the inquiry to clear his name. Meanwhile, Deutsche Welle reports that opposition parties, including the EFF and DA, have criticised the decision to grant Mchunu leave instead of outright dismissal, calling for stronger accountability measures.

President Ramaphosa described the situation as “a matter of grave national security concern,” stressing the need for the commission’s findings to maintain public trust in the South African Police Service. The commission is expected to issue an interim report within three months and a full report within one year