Ramaphosa names Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as interim Police Minister following Senzo Mchunu’s leave amid criminal syndicate allegations.
In a bold and urgent political move, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister Gwede Mantashe as Acting Police Minister, effective immediately. This temporary appointment bridges the leadership gap in South Africa’s security cluster following the dramatic exit of Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on special leave amid explosive allegations of political interference and links to a criminal syndicate operating within state structures.
Mantashe, who retains his Mineral and Petroleum Resources portfolio, will oversee the police ministry until Professor Firoz Cachalia assumes office in August 2025.
Why the Sudden Shake-Up?
The announcement, made during a national address on Sunday, 13 July 2025, stems from a firestorm ignited by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner. In a revealing 6 July media briefing, Mkhwanazi accused former Minister Mchunu of meddling in sensitive investigations, withdrawing over 120 political killing dockets, and colluding with criminal elements—claims backed by WhatsApp messages and digital evidence.
Among the alleged associates is Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a known murder accused and tender beneficiary, whom Mkhwanazi claimed financially supported political events, raising alarms about the deep-rooted infiltration of law enforcement and the judicial system.
A Crisis of National Security
Ramaphosa, freshly returned from the BRICS Summit in Brazil, described the allegations as a grave threat to national security. In response, he appointed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC serving as assistants.
The commission will investigate:
- Syndicate infiltration of SAPS, NPA, and state intelligence
- Political interference in high-profile investigations
- Judicial complicity and executive failures
- Suppression of anti-corruption reforms
Interim reports are due within three and six months, with a final report submitted to the President, National Assembly Speaker, and Chief Justice.
Gwede Mantashe Steps In
While Mantashe’s dual role has raised eyebrows, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the legality of the appointment, highlighting that it falls within the president’s constitutional powers. Mantashe is expected to provide stable leadership during this transitional period.
Ramaphosa dismissed any concerns about Mantashe’s commitment, saying the seasoned minister brings “decades of political and administrative experience” to a troubled department facing a credibility crisis.
Firoz Cachalia Prepares for August Transition
Professor Firoz Cachalia, a constitutional law scholar and chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC), is set to take the reins from August. Having served previously as Gauteng’s MEC for Community Safety, Cachalia brings credibility, legal insight, and reformist zeal. Speaking candidly about his appointment, he said, “This is about the survival of our democratic institutions.”
Cachalia also dismissed challenges to his appointment, referencing Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which permits the president to appoint up to two ministers from outside Parliament.
Political Reactions and Fallout
Opposition parties have fiercely criticised the reshuffle:
- The EFF and MK Party labelled Mantashe’s appointment “unconstitutional” and announced plans to challenge it in the Constitutional Court.
- DA leader John Steenhuisen warned that commissions must result in real consequences, not just political theatre.
- The ANC, meanwhile, expressed full support for Ramaphosa’s interventions, with Secretary General Fikile Mbalula affirming the party’s commitment to clean governance.
Public, Civil Society & Legal Perspectives
Public sentiment has largely rallied behind Commissioner Mkhwanazi, whose brave exposé has sparked widespread calls for transparency, accountability, and reform.
- The Walter & Albertina Sisulu Foundation lambasted the president’s response as “bureaucratic theatre.”
- Gift of the Givers called Mkhwanazi “a beacon of integrity,” urging public support and police reform.
- The Public Protector and Judicial Service Commission have launched their own investigations following the detailed allegations.
On social media, support for Mkhwanazi turned into action: over R38,000 was raised via BackaBuddy to “buy him two cows”—a traditional South African gesture of honour.
What’s Next?
With Senzo Mchunu on leave and Shadrack Sibiya also stepping aside, the criminal justice system enters a critical period. The nation now looks to Gwede Mantashe, and soon Firoz Cachalia, to steady the ship.
The commission’s outcome could shape the future of law enforcement in South Africa, determining whether the state can effectively rid itself of criminal infiltration or whether the illusion of reform will persist.
Also read: Ramaphosa Suspends Police Minister Senzo Mchunu Over Criminal Allegations
