President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on Special Leave, citing the need to restore public trust in the country’s law enforcement and government institutions. The move comes amid growing pressure over allegations linking Mchunu to a criminal syndicate and his alleged interference in investigations into political killings.
In a statement released by the Presidency on Sunday night, Ramaphosa said the decision was “taken in the interest of accountability, good governance, and the integrity of the security cluster.”
“Given the serious nature of the allegations and the public confidence required of our institutions, I have decided that Minister Mchunu will be relieved of his responsibilities with immediate effect. This is necessary to ensure that investigations can proceed without fear, favour, or interference,” Ramaphosa said.
Mchunu has been under fire following explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that the minister was interfering with criminal investigations, including those related to political killings in the province. The claims sparked outrage across political lines and prompted parliamentary inquiries, court applications, and demands for Mchunu’s immediate removal.
Shortly after the announcement, Mchunu said he accepted the President’s decision and would fully cooperate with any investigations into his conduct.
“I respect the President’s constitutional prerogative to appoint and remove ministers. I maintain that I have acted in good faith throughout my tenure, but I understand the seriousness of the moment and the need for full transparency. I will cooperate with any investigations and clear my name,” Mchunu said in a short media briefing at his home in KwaMashu on Saturday night.
He said he would make a “more detailed statement in due course.”
Mchunu’s dismissal comes as the political storm surrounding him continues to intensify. This week, multiple political parties demanded his resignation, citing mounting evidence of abuse of power, interference in policing structures, and alleged links to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala—who is currently behind bars and facing charges related to organised crime and an alleged plot to assassinate state witnesses.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), one of the earliest parties to demand Mchunu’s dismissal, welcomed Ramaphosa’s decision but said it was “long overdue.”
“The EFF notes the belated but necessary firing of Senzo Mchunu. The President has finally acted under extreme public pressure. Mchunu has been a disaster to the criminal justice system, using his office to protect criminals and sabotage investigations into political killings. He must now face the full might of the law,” said EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also praised the move, but called on Ramaphosa to go further by establishing a fully independent inquiry into the entire security cluster.
“Minister Mchunu’s removal is a welcome step, but this crisis runs much deeper. The entire police and intelligence system appears to be compromised. The DA demands the establishment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry into political interference in law enforcement. South Africans deserve to know the full truth,” said DA Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said the dismissal of Mchunu should serve as a turning point for addressing political violence in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We welcome the President’s decision and hope this marks a new chapter in fighting political killings and restoring the rule of law in KZN. The task team investigating political violence must now be strengthened, properly funded, and allowed to operate independently,” said IFP MP Narend Singh.
Meanwhile, the African Transformation Movement (ATM)—which recently lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector against Mchunu—said the party felt vindicated.
“The ATM has consistently warned that Minister Mchunu was abusing state power and interfering with crucial investigations. His dismissal proves that our concerns were valid. We urge law enforcement to move swiftly to bring him and his cronies to book,” said ATM leader Vuyo Zungula.
Inside Parliament, opposition MPs have vowed to continue pushing for transparency and oversight into how Mchunu’s alleged network of interference was able to operate without scrutiny.
On Friday, three parliamentary committees—the Portfolio Committee on Police, the Standing Committee on Intelligence, and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence—met in a closed session to receive updates from Mkhwanazi and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Sources confirmed that the committees were shown documents and communications implicating Mchunu in efforts to block investigations and intimidate whistleblowers.
The ANC has remained largely silent in recent days but issued a brief statement late Saturday supporting Ramaphosa’s “decisive leadership.”
“The African National Congress supports the President’s actions to protect the integrity of government institutions. We trust that justice will take its course, and we call on our structures to cooperate fully with law enforcement,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
There is growing speculation that Police Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale may be appointed as acting Minister of Police while a permanent replacement is considered. However, the Presidency has not yet made any announcements regarding an interim appointment.
As the political fallout continues to unfold, the country’s eyes now turn to law enforcement and the judiciary to determine whether charges will be brought against Mchunu and others implicated in the unfolding scandal.
The Presidency has assured the public that it will cooperate with Parliament and oversight institutions to ensure full accountability.
“This administration will not allow rogue elements to compromise our democracy. Those who abuse public office for personal or political gain will be held accountable,” Ramaphosa’s statement concluded.
