Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has confirmed that former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is now the subject of a formal criminal investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), following charges laid by the party last week.
President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave this past weekend.
This came in the wake of serious allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who last week accused Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of interfering in police work — including disbanding a task force, blocking intelligence appointments, and redirecting case dockets to Sibiya’s office.
According to DA Deputy Chief Whip Baxolile ‘Bax’ Nodada, the SAPS has assigned a senior Lieutenant Colonel as the investigating officer in the matter, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations.
The DA alleges that Mchunu lied to Parliament about his relationship with Brown Mogotsi, a controversial figure who has recently been linked to alleged corruption within police procurement. In March, Mchunu told the Portfolio Committee on Police that he did not know Mogotsi. However, in a recent press statement, he referred to Mogotsi as his “comrade”.
Fraud and violations of power
“This contradiction is at the heart of our criminal complaint,” said Nodada said in a statement.
“We are asking the SAPS to investigate Mchunu for fraud and violations of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.”
In addition to the criminal charges, the DA has submitted a formal complaint to Parliament’s Ethics Committee, citing potential breaches of the parliamentary Code of Ethics by Mchunu.
“Misleading Parliament, lying, and fraudulent cover-ups cannot be tolerated from ANC ministers,” Nodada said.
“Senzo Mchunu, like every South African, must be held accountable to the law.”
The police investigation is now underway, with the DA having provided a sworn affidavit detailing the allegations and relevant evidence.
