Senzo Mchunu under fire: KZN commissioner alleges political interference in SAPS

In a sensational briefing on Sunday, July 6, 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made a series of explosive allegations of political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), sending shockwaves through the nation’s law enforcement and political spheres.

Commissioner Mkhwanazi, known for his no-nonsense approach, accused senior officials and even the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, of obstructing justice and aiding criminal syndicates. His claims have ignited a firestorm, prompting urgent calls for an independent investigation.

The Disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team: A Web of Intrigue

At the heart of Mkhwanazi’s accusations lies the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. Formed in 2018 to investigate politically motivated murders, the team’s work had reportedly expanded to uncover links between drug cartels, politicians, and law enforcement figures across provinces.

According to Mkhwanazi, on March 26, 2025, 125 case dockets were abruptly withdrawn from the task team. He directly implicated Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Sibiya, stating Sibiya acted on instructions from Minister Mchunu to disband the unit. “Five of these dockets had instructions to arrest perpetrators, but nothing has been done because Sibiya withdrew these dockets,” Mkhwanazi asserted.

Minister Mchunu has vehemently denied these allegations of interference, labelling them “wild” and demanding a “thorough and transparent investigation”. He stated that he would “never allow his integrity, that of the Ministry or the SAPS at large, to be undermined by insinuations made without evidence.”

Accusations of Aiding Criminals: Politicians, Judiciary, and NPA Implicated

Mkhwanazi didn’t stop there. He broadened his accusations, stating he was prepared to “die in the fight against crime”, and pointed fingers at politicians, the judiciary, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), accusing them of “aiding and abetting criminals”.

He further alleged that Minister Mchunu attempted to facilitate a meeting between himself and Sibiya to “smooth the waters”, a proposition Mkhwanazi rejected, referring to Sibiya as “a criminal”.

Sibiya’s Retort and the “Warlord” Remark

In an interview with SABC, Lieutenant-General Sibiya fired back, urging Mkhwanazi to “stop threatening people” and “stop behaving like a warlord.” Sibiya denied all allegations, stating he would respond professionally after consulting his legal team. “None of the allegations he has made are true,” Sibiya maintained.

Tender Corruption and High-Profile Links

The controversy deepened as Mkhwanazi accused Minister Mchunu of misleading Parliament regarding his relationship with a business associate, Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala. Matlala, a “tenderpreneur” linked to alleged organised crime and facing criminal charges, was reportedly awarded lucrative SAPS tenders. This connection resurfaced after whistleblower Babita Deokaran red-flagged Matlala’s companies before her assassination.

Mkhwanazi highlighted the Political Killings Task Team’s effectiveness in uncovering a syndicate involving politicians, law enforcement, and judicial figures through its work in Gauteng, specifically mentioning a 2024 case involving the murder of Q-tech employee Armard Swart.

A Plot to Destabilise SAPS?

In a chilling claim, Mkhwanazi alleged a plot to destabilise the SAPS by targeting National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and framing senior officers to prevent them from exposing crime and corruption. He referenced the recent arrests of seven members of SAPS’s embattled Crime Intelligence Division, implying they were being defamed for understanding the importance of national security.

Despite attempts to disrupt its work, Mkhwanazi confirmed that a criminal investigation into the alleged infiltration and control of the criminal justice system by organised crime syndicates is underway, and the task team remains operational.

Calls for Immediate Action

The gravity of Mkhwanazi’s revelations has not gone unnoticed. Ian Cameron, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, took to X, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to “take the lead in addressing these serious allegations”. Cameron has also written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, requesting an urgent parliamentary debate.

“South Africans deserve clear answers. Silence is not an option,” Cameron stated, emphasising the urgent need for an independent and thorough investigation to restore public trust in the country’s law enforcement agencies.