Durban – Police have seized a cellphone from the KwaZulu-Natal home of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu after executing a Johannesburg High Court search-and-seizure warrant.
The operation was carried out on Monday at Mchunu’s private family residence, with the warrant reportedly identifying specific cellphone IMEI numbers. Mchunu handed over the device in the presence of his lawyer.
His spokesperson, Sithembiso Mshengu, confirmed the operation and said Mchunu complied with the court order.
“As a law-abiding citizen and in the presence of his attorney, Minister Mchunu handed over the handset in line with the directive of the court,” Mshengu said, according to IOL.
Mshengu said the latest seizure was the second time police had taken Mchunu’s communication devices, adding that the first set had not been returned.
Ongoing investigation
“It must be noted that this is the second time police have seized these communication tools without having returned the first set,” he said, as reported by Sowetan.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the search was linked to an ongoing investigation.
“This is part of an ongoing police investigation on cases of defeating the ends of justice and fraud, among other charges, which were opened in 2025 at Durban Central police station,” Netshiunda said, according to The Witness.
SABC News also reported that the seized cellphone matched the specific IMEI numbers listed in the High Court warrant.
The latest operation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Mchunu following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about political interference in police operations. Mchunu has denied wrongdoing and has been on special leave since July 2025.
Criminal networks
The allegations are being examined by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating claims concerning political interference, criminal networks and the functioning of law-enforcement institutions.
The Mail & Guardian, which first reported the latest seizure, said Mchunu’s name has been raised by several witnesses at the inquiry, although he currently faces no charges of wrongdoing.
Mshengu said Mchunu would respond to the developments.
“Minister Mchunu will address these developments and many other matters that evolve around his name in the coming weeks,” he said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
