What started as a routine Sunday morning briefing quickly turned into a political earthquake in South Africa.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi dropped a series of bombshell allegations that could shake the very core of the country’s justice system—calling into question the conduct of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and reigniting fears of deep-rooted corruption within law enforcement.
Political Pressure and a Dismantled Task Team
Mkhwanazi’s revelations weren’t just vague criticisms.
He specifically addressed the controversial disbandment of the KZN political killings task team, which had been set up back in 2018 to investigate politically motivated murders in the province.
According to Mkhwanazi, the decision to disband the team wasn’t an independent one.
He claimed that Minister Senzo Mchunu had written to the national police commissioner in December 2024, likely under pressure from individuals fearing exposure.
The implication? That the task team had been making people nervous—particularly high-ranking officials who might have been in its sights.
A Web of Corruption Linked to Drug Cartels
In his media briefing, Mkhwanazi didn’t hold back.
He accused the now-dismantled task team of uncovering a powerful criminal syndicate involving not just senior politicians and top police officers, but metro police, correctional services officials, prosecutors, and wealthy businesspeople as well.
According to him, this sprawling network is allegedly backed by a drug cartel operating in both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Even more damning, he said that the minister himself had not only interfered with the team’s investigations but had also reportedly ordered the withdrawal of 120 case dockets.
If true, these actions could have shut down multiple avenues of justice in one stroke.
EFF Says Allegations Confirm a “Mafia State”
Reacting swiftly, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called for the immediate suspension of Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The party said the revelations confirmed their long-standing view that South Africa—under the ANC-led government—has morphed into a “mafia state”, where public office is used not to protect citizens, but to shield criminals and siphon state resources.
Referencing National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi, the EFF said that even the NPA has admitted to being infiltrated, making effective prosecution nearly impossible.
“Through individuals like Senzo Mchunu, the ANC has turned the state into a haven for gangsters,” the EFF declared.
ActionSA Calls for Urgent Parliamentary Debate
Meanwhile, ActionSA is taking steps to address the issue in Parliament.
The party has formally requested an urgent debate to discuss what it calls a deepening crisis within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the broader criminal justice system.
In their statement, ActionSA expressed deep concern over the scale of the alleged corruption, saying it undermines national security and the very integrity of law enforcement institutions.
“These are not just internal scandals—they’re a threat to the safety of the country,” the party warned.
What’s Next for Senzo Mchunu?
With both the EFF and ActionSA now publicly demanding action, all eyes are on President Cyril Ramaphosa. Will he suspend Minister Senzo Mchunu amid the growing calls and mounting pressure?
The public is already abuzz with questions, and trust in leadership continues to erode as more details emerge.
Your Thoughts on Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Claims?
The national conversation has been ignited—what do you think about Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations and the potential fallout for Minister Senzo Mchunu?
