In a shocking series of allegations, South Africa's Police Minister Senzo Mchunu faces potential links to criminal gangs and interference in police investigations into politically charged murders.
**South Africa's Police Minister Allegedly Linked to Criminal Enterprise**
**South Africa's Police Minister Allegedly Linked to Criminal Enterprise**
Accusations arise against Minister Senzo Mchunu amid allegations of corruption and political interference
The police minister has dismissed what he calls “wild allegations” following claims made by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police chief. At a press briefing, Mkhwanazi asserted that Mchunu has received financial backing from a businessman of questionable integrity to advance his political agenda. Responding to the serious nature of these allegations, President Cyril Ramaphosa has labeled them a matter of “grave national security concern,” emphasizing that they will receive priority attention.
Mkhwanazi outlined a troubling narrative of how a task force established in 2018 to examine the assassinations of politicians in KwaZulu-Natal was reportedly dismantled under Mchunu's orders. He alleged that the disbandment was strategically orchestrated by high-ranking officials connected to a drug cartel, preventing the investigation from proceeding further.
Despite the lingering backlog of unsolved cases in the province, Mchunu had previously justified the unit's dissolution, claiming it was not effective. Mkhwanazi revealed that 121 case files were removed from the task force upon Mchunu's command, without the approval of General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner.
Mkhwanazi stated that these case files have not been investigated since March, with several already having directives for arrests associated with them. Furthermore, evidence was presented suggesting Mchunu’s connections to a businessman named Vusimuzi Matlala, who allegedly financed the minister's political efforts. Matlala's previous lucrative police contract was terminated after his arrest for attempted murder earlier this year.
In the backdrop of these developments, General Masemola has indicated he would address these accusations in the coming week as he announces a temporary leadership change in the crime intelligence division. A recent scandal involving Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, the criminal intelligence chief, who was arrested for fraud and corruption, adds to the troubling climate within the South African Police Service (SAPS) that has been plagued by allegations of misconduct and mismanagement.
Mkhwanazi outlined a troubling narrative of how a task force established in 2018 to examine the assassinations of politicians in KwaZulu-Natal was reportedly dismantled under Mchunu's orders. He alleged that the disbandment was strategically orchestrated by high-ranking officials connected to a drug cartel, preventing the investigation from proceeding further.
Despite the lingering backlog of unsolved cases in the province, Mchunu had previously justified the unit's dissolution, claiming it was not effective. Mkhwanazi revealed that 121 case files were removed from the task force upon Mchunu's command, without the approval of General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner.
Mkhwanazi stated that these case files have not been investigated since March, with several already having directives for arrests associated with them. Furthermore, evidence was presented suggesting Mchunu’s connections to a businessman named Vusimuzi Matlala, who allegedly financed the minister's political efforts. Matlala's previous lucrative police contract was terminated after his arrest for attempted murder earlier this year.
In the backdrop of these developments, General Masemola has indicated he would address these accusations in the coming week as he announces a temporary leadership change in the crime intelligence division. A recent scandal involving Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, the criminal intelligence chief, who was arrested for fraud and corruption, adds to the troubling climate within the South African Police Service (SAPS) that has been plagued by allegations of misconduct and mismanagement.
