Senzo Mchunu has come under sharp political scrutiny after referencing Matlala’s affidavit during a parliamentary hearing on 21 October 2025. The former Police Minister, currently on special leave, used the document to deny links to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an accused organised crime figure.
The affidavit, signed by Matlala from within C-Max prison, stated that he had never met or worked with Mchunu. Ironically, it was intended to support Mchunu’s defence but may have backfired, as Members of Parliament (MPs) raised questions about the decision to rely on a “dangerous man’s” testimony.
Read more: Northcliff Hotel Denies Lerato Kganyago Links in Madlanga Commission for related developments in the ongoing inquiry.
Matlala’s Affidavit Sparks Heated Debate
Matlala’s affidavit, dated September 2025, was introduced by Mchunu to refute allegations that he had ties to Matlala. Matlala is currently facing charges of attempted murder and money laundering. His name has also surfaced in allegations of cartel activity.
During the hearing, EFF leader Julius Malema questioned Mchunu’s judgement:
“Why would you want to associate with such a character?”
Malema described Matlala as “a dangerous man” and criticised Mchunu for submitting a statement from someone in prison.
Senzo Mchunu and the Tender Scandal
The use of the affidavit came as part of Mchunu’s broader defence against accusations of misconduct. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged in July that Mchunu had links to Matlala through ANC-aligned businessman Brown Mogotsi.
It is alleged that:
- Matlala financially backed Mchunu’s political ambitions.
- Mogotsi acted as a go-between.
- Mchunu disbanded the Police Killings Task Team (PKTT) under political pressure.
Mchunu denies all allegations and insists his actions were lawful and based on operational needs.
Questions Over the PKTT Disbandment
At the centre of the controversy is Mchunu’s decision to disband the PKTT in late 2024. He claimed the move was due to duplication of effort and budget constraints.
However, Major General Petronella van Rooyen, a senior SAPS legal adviser, previously told the Madlanga Commission:
“The minister unlawfully strayed into the constitutional competence of the national commissioner.”
Mchunu disputed this in Parliament, saying he acted within the Constitution.
Watch the Ad Hoc Committee Here
WhatsApp Messages and Political Ties
Further complicating matters, Mchunu admitted to exchanging messages with Brown Mogotsi via WhatsApp and Signal. He downplayed the relationship, calling Mogotsi a long-time comrade.
Commissioner Mkhwanazi, however, claimed that Mogotsi served as a conduit between Matlala and Mchunu.
See also: Witness A Reveals Details of Katiso Molefe’s 2024 Arrest at Madlanga Commission for key testimony in the investigation.
MPs Challenge Mchunu’s Use of Evidence
MPs also questioned the authenticity and timing of a recording Mchunu had submitted to show he was threatened by Mkhwanazi. He admitted that the part containing the alleged threat was not in the recording:
“It happened before the recording.”
This raised concerns about the reliability of Mchunu’s testimony and further weakened his position.
Political Fallout and Public Trust
Mchunu’s response to the unfolding scandal has been mixed. Asked what action he would take, he replied:
“Well, I’m on leave.”
His absence from office since July, pending investigation, has fuelled debate on government accountability and the state of policing in South Africa.
Institutional Capture Concerns Intensify
The ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission are both investigating claims of criminal infiltration of the police. Civil society groups, including Defend Our Democracy, have called for urgent reforms.
Related: Armand Swart Murder: How Investigators Linked Katiso Molefe to the Case for background on the criminal investigation.
Senzo Mchunu’s reliance on Matlala’s affidavit has intensified scrutiny of his conduct and decision-making. The coming weeks will be critical as Parliament and the Commission continue to probe the depth of corruption and the risk of institutional capture in South Africa’s law enforcement.
