Ramaphosa puts Mchunu on leave of absence, inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi's allegations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a special leave of absence pending a commission of inquiry into allegations that he’s embroiled in interference in the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on 13 July 2025. Picture: @PresidencyZA/X
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a special leave of absence pending a commission of inquiry into allegations that he’s embroiled in interference in the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Ramaphosa on Sunday evening also announced a commission of inquiry to be chaired by acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to probe allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that Mchunu interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including murder accused, to disband the political killings task team in KZN.
IN FULL: Ramaphosa's address regarding Mkhwanazi's allegations
Ramaphosa said that he would make an interim appointment from his Cabinet to step into Mchunu's shoes until Wits law professor, Firoz Cachalia, retires from academia and can take over as minister in August.
Cachalia is a former Gauteng safety and security MEC.
The Constitution empowers the president to two appoint two people to his Cabinet from outside the National Assembly.
[JUST IN] President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will be establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to look into allegations made by KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. TCG
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 13, 2025
[JUST IN] Senzo Mchunu, Police Minister, has been placed on a leave of absence pending the finalisation of the judicial commission of inquiry. TCG pic.twitter.com/ERvJJ9HXQl
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 13, 2025