Cape Town – Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has firmly denied any association with two individuals recently linked to controversial South African Police Service (SAPS) contracts, following explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mchunu said he had “never met, spoken to, or received anything” from Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala — a businessman allegedly implicated in questionable SAPS tenders.
“The Minister did, however, initiate a review of the SAPS tender awarded to Mr Matlala when suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced,” the statement read.
“That same tender has since been terminated.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
⁰9 July 2025STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE MINISTER’S ALLEGED ASSOCIATION WITH MR MATLALA AND MR MOGOTSI
In response to the recent allegations made by Provincial Commissioner Mkhwanazi, and while respecting the President’s call for…
— Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) July 9, 2025
Mchunu also addressed claims surrounding Brown Mogotsi, confirming he knew the man but insisted there was no improper relationship.
“Whilst the Minister knows and has met Mr Brown Mogotsi, he is just a comrade and not an associate of the Minister. The Minister has never requested or received anything from him,” the statement continued.
The remarks come days after Mkhwanazi accused senior political figures of interference in police operations — allegations that have prompted concern from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has urged calm and due process.
Speaking to the media before departing Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he had been attending the 17th BRICS summit, Ramaphosa said the allegations were of “serious concern” and would be addressed as a matter of urgency upon his return to South Africa.
“This is not a matter that we should not give attention to. It is a serious matter,” Ramaphosa said. “It has to do with the security of our people but also with our adherence to the rule of law.”
Ramaphosa said he intended to consult widely on the matter and would seek clarity from relevant parties before taking decisive action.
“It is a matter that I will be dealing with when I get home. I will need to look at it more closely and have a thorough discussion with a number of people and thereafter, there will be a clear way forward,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution, the president said law enforcement officers play a vital role in ensuring safety and justice, and that no one was above the law.
“Those who have done wrong should be dealt with and should be dealt with thoroughly in terms of our Constitution and laws,” he said.
