KZN Police Commissioner accuses Minister Mchunu of syndicate links

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of direct involvement with criminal syndicates.

Testifying as the first witness before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, Mkhwanazi claimed political interference has crippled the justice system. According to the SABC, he pointed to a December 2024 letter, in which Mchunu allegedly tried to disband a task team investigating political killings.

Newzroom Afrika reports that the inquiry was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July this year, and led to Mchunu being placed on immediate leave. Professor Firoz Cachalia is now serving as acting minister.

Mchunu has strongly denied the allegations, but Mkhwanazi told the commission that evidence “is on record” and will be submitted under oath.