Inside the ‘failed attempt to arrest Mchunu and Sibiya’

Mchunu

Cape Town – The task team embroiled in the dispute between suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi allegedly attempted to have both Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya arrested.

According to The Citizen, the unit reportedly attempted to arrest Mchunu and Sibiya, but prosecutors rejected the request due to insufficient evidence.

This came shortly before Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the unit in December 2024, claiming it added no policing value, the report said, citing City Press.

“Last month, the police members who were travelling in a Mercedes-Benz V-class Kombi tried to obtain an arrest warrant from the director of public prosecutions for both Sibiya and Mchunu but were turned away. They were told that there was insufficient evidence that warranted arrest,” a source was quoted as saying.

KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi later accused Mchunu and senior police officials of links to criminal syndicates, sparking a judicial commission of inquiry.

Black police generals 

Both Mchunu and Sibiya have since been placed on special leave, but concerns remain over Mchunu’s lingering influence.

Mchunu has denied the claims and defended his record, asserting that black police generals owe their positions to the ANC.

He warned against turning South Africa’s justice system into one where accusers also serve as judge and jury.

Speaking at the ANC’s Musa Dladla region Mandela Day celebrations on Friday, Mchunu told SABC News that he would present his side to the judicial commission of inquiry.

He strongly denied the allegations and stressed the importance of due process, saying he welcomed the commission as a necessary platform to respond.

“These allegations were not only against me. They were against a range of other departments and also the justice system as a whole,” Mchunu said.

“In South Africa, we will always treasure and insist that you hear one side and then the other.”

He criticised what he called a dangerous trend of individuals acting as both accuser and judge.

“The day one person stands on a podium and says, ‘I suspect so and so of wrongdoing,’ then investigates, prosecutes, and finally declares guilt — that would be the end of South Africa. It would crash and destroy the dream we’ve all struggled for: justice,” he said.

Mchunu added that, despite the seriousness of the case, it was essential to allow both sides to be heard before conclusions are drawn.

“From where I stand, I am innocent of those allegations and I deny them very strongly. I’ve engaged lawyers and the matter is on course,”he said.

He also appealed to the media and the public to exercise patience and fairness.

“Let’s wait for the commission. My feeling is that the media has already passed judgment without hearing the other side. But let’s wait for the day,” Mchunu said, adding that he fully supports the president’s decision and is prepared to cooperate fully.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by