South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, recently placed on special leave, has expressed his readiness to present his side of the story before a Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating serious corruption allegations against him. The claims, raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accuse Mchunu of misconduct, including ties to criminal syndicates and interference in investigations into political killings. Mkhwanazi also implicated other departments and the broader justice system.
Speaking at an ANC event in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, on International Mandela Day—his first public appearance since his leave, Mchunu stressed the importance of fairness and due process. “In South Africa, we will always treasure and insist that you hear one side, and after you’ve heard one side, you then hear the other side,” he said. He cautioned against a one-sided approach to justice, warning that allowing a single individual to act as accuser, investigator, and judge would undermine the country’s legal system.
President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Mchunu on 13 July 2025 and established the inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, to probe allegations of criminal infiltration in law enforcement. Mchunu has denied the accusations, pledging full cooperation with the commission, which is expected to deliver initial findings within three months. Law professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed interim police minister.
