Mchunu Requests Special Leave Amid Criminal Allegations; Ramaphosa to Address Nation
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| Gallo image Frennie Shivambu Senzo Mchunu & President Cyril Ramaphosa |
South Africa’s Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has officially requested special leave from President Cyril Ramaphosa, following mounting allegations that link him to organized crime and obstruction of police investigations.
The request comes after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused the minister of serious misconduct, including interference in sensitive police operations and close associations with criminal figures.
Mkhwanazi alleges that Mchunu orchestrated the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, a unit formed in 2018 to probe politically motivated assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal. He further claimed that 121 case files were removed from the task team’s archives without proper authorization, effectively derailing several high-profile investigations.
In addition to obstructing investigations, the commissioner claims Mchunu maintained ties with businessman Brown Mogotsi and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently on trial for attempted murder and money laundering. According to Mkhwanazi, these individuals provided financial support for Mchunu’s political ambitions.
The allegations have triggered a political firestorm. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), have lodged criminal complaints against Mchunu, accusing him of lying to Parliament. Mchunu initially denied knowing Mogotsi but later admitted to having a personal relationship with him, describing him as a “comrade” from the North West province.
President Ramaphosa responded to the developments, describing the situation as a “grave national security concern.” He has promised swift and decisive action to restore public confidence in law enforcement leadership.
The Presidency has confirmed that Ramaphosa will address the nation at 7:00 PM tonight, Sunday, July 13. He is expected to outline government’s immediate response and may announce the formation of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations in full.
The scandal marks one of the most serious political crises in recent years, with implications that extend beyond the police ministry and into the broader integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system.
As the nation awaits the president’s address, the spotlight remains firmly on whether the government will take concrete steps to restore accountability and uphold the rule of law.
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