WATCH | ‘ANC gave black generals a chance — they must not squander it,’ says Mchunu

Mchunu

Cape Town – Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, appeared to take a swipe at KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi by reminding black police generals to be grateful to the ANC, which he said gave them their positions.

He was speaking at an ANC event, amid tensions following Mkhwanazi’s serious allegations of political interference and corruption involving Mchunu and other top officials.

“The ANC appointed black generals so that we also have generals in the army and in the police. They should not trample on this opportunity they were given by the ANC,” Mchunu said.

“They got this opportunity through blood and sweat. There are those who deserved to wear those mantles and camouflage uniforms, but they are dead and they never got that opportunity. They died in the struggle.

“They [generals] must respect their positions in the manner that it was hoped that they would when we were fighting for liberation.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave and launched a judicial commission of inquiry.

Mchunu, in a separate interview, warned against one person acting as accuser, investigator, and judge, and called for the inquiry to run its course.

Speaking at the ANC’s Musa Dladla region Mandela Day celebrations on Friday, Mchunu told SAB 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

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