Cyril Ramaphosa Takes Decisive Action Amid Explosive Accusations Linking Senzo Mchunu to Criminal Syndicates
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu following shocking allegations linking him to a criminal syndicate and obstruction of high-profile investigations.
The announcement, made on Sunday, July 13, 2025, comes amid mounting public and political pressure for swift and decisive leadership in response to a deepening scandal.
The Allegations: A Shocking Accusation from Within the Ranks
At the heart of the storm is Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s police commissioner, who dropped a political bombshell during a media briefing the previous Sunday. Mkhwanazi alleged that Minister Mchunu:
- Colluded with a criminal syndicate.
- Interfered in the work of a police task team dedicated to investigating politically motivated killings.
- Orchestrated the disbandment of the team, which had over 100 active case files, many of which have since been shelved.
- Shielded politicians, police officers, and key syndicate figures from prosecution.
These claims are supported, according to Mkhwanazi, by digital evidence including WhatsApp messages.
RELATED: Ramaphosa Returns Home: When Will He Address the Mchunu-Mkhwanazi Feud?
Mchunu Responds: Denials and Defiance
Minister Senzo Mchunu has categorically denied the accusations, describing them as “baseless” and politically motivated. Through his spokesperson, he stated that he remains committed to the rule of law and has vowed to clear his name.
Despite these denials, the weight of the allegations, the digital evidence, and the credibility of the source—a top provincial police commissioner—has placed the integrity of the country’s criminal justice system under intense scrutiny.
Ramaphosa’s Response: Swift Action and a Judicial Commission
President Cyril Ramaphosa, long known for his anti-corruption stance, wasted no time.
“These allegations call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation,” he said during a publicly televised address.
To that end, the President:
- Placed Mchunu on immediate leave of absence.
- Announced the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia, a respected law academic, as Acting Minister of Police.
- Ordered the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly and transparently.
This move comes at a time when South Africa’s economy is bleeding from the effects of crime, which the World Bank estimates costs up to 10% of the country’s GDP annually.
Political Fallout: A Divided Coalition and 2027 ANC Stakes
The timing of this crisis couldn’t be worse for the ANC, which is currently in a delicate coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA has already called for a parliamentary inquiry into the matter, while at least one opposition party has demanded Mchunu’s outright suspension.
Mchunu, a senior figure within the ANC, was believed to be positioning himself for a leadership run in 2027. That ambition may now be in jeopardy.
What’s Next?
The unfolding investigation will be crucial not just for Mchunu’s political future but for South Africa’s broader anti-corruption mission. The establishment of a judicial commission signals that Ramaphosa is ready to back rhetoric with action.
Analysts are now watching closely to see:
- Whether more high-profile figures will be implicated.
- If the 100 case files mentioned by Mkhwanazi will be reopened.
- How the ANC and coalition government will navigate the coming storm.
This is a developing story that could reshape the trajectory of South Africa’s political and legal institutions for years to come.
Also read: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: Thoko Didiza Rules on Explosive Parliament Debate
