When drama explodes in South African politics, it’s not every day that a reality TV star finds herself caught in the middle of it.
But that’s exactly what’s happened with businesswoman and Royal AM boss, Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize.
Now trending across social media, MaMkhize’s name has been dragged into a tangled web of alleged criminal ties, political interference, and a surprising stash of weapons.
While the noise gets louder, MaMkhize has chosen to respond with just six words: “Let my silence speak volumes.”
Explosive Accusations Rock the Police Ministry
The fire was lit when KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi came forward with startling allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has links to criminal gangs and has interfered in investigations into politically motivated killings.
Adding fuel to the fire, the new Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, came out swinging with even more shocking claims — and this is where MaMkhize’s name pops up.
Firearms Found at MaMkhize’s Luxury Home
According to Cameron, during a November 2023 raid at MaMkhize’s La Lucia mansion, police and SARS officials uncovered a cache of 40 firearms.
These weapons weren’t random — they were allegedly registered under a security company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a man with his own alleged criminal connections.
Matlala has long been suspected of benefiting from his ties to Minister Mchunu.
Despite the explosive find, Cameron says all the guns were eventually returned to Matlala, despite requests for an investigation.
Matlala’s Murky Past and Government Contracts
Matlala, dubbed a “mafia businessman”, is no stranger to controversy.
He’s currently facing charges that include money laundering, attempted murder, and conspiracy to kill his former partner, celebrity Teboho Thobejane.
He’s also allegedly bagged major government tenders under shady circumstances, including a R360 million healthcare contract linked to the South African Police Service.
Like MaMkhize, he’s been accused of benefitting from political connections to land lucrative deals.
MaMkhize’s Subtle Clapback
As her name started trending alongside Mchunu and Matlala, MaMkhize responded in typical celeb fashion — without saying much at all.
On her Instagram Stories, she simply posted:
“Let my silence speak volumes.”
That quiet message came as social media lit up with speculation about her role in the unfolding political scandal.
A Year of Headlines and High-Profile Trouble
MaMkhize has had a rough time with SARS lately. She’s facing a R40 million tax evasion case, and several of her flashy cars have been forfeited and auctioned off to help settle her debt.
Her beloved soccer club Royal AM was even sold to cover some of the costs.
Back in 2023, her name once again dominated headlines when a SARS official working on her case survived an assassination attempt — an event that raised even more eyebrows about the stakes behind her tax troubles.
Legal Clouds Still Hover
This isn’t the first time MaMkhize has faced legal scrutiny.
She’s been previously charged with fraud, forgery, and bribery, though she’s always denied wrongdoing.
Now, with allegations swirling about her home being used as a hiding place for illegal firearms and her possible ties to a politically connected alleged criminal, people are once again questioning how deep her involvement runs.
The Public Wants Answers
With so many names now entangled — from politicians to business figures and celebrities — there’s growing pressure for authorities to dig deeper. People are asking:
Will more information come out about the connection between MaMkhize, Cat Matlala, and Minister Senzo Mchunu?
For now, MaMkhize appears to be sticking to her strategy: staying silent and letting the chaos unfold around her.