Former SAPS iLembe District Commissioner says Mchunu called him asking for update on councillor's murder case

Former SAPS iLembe District Commissioner Anthony Gopaul says it was "inappropriate" for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to call him asking for an update on a murder case he was investigating.  

Gopaul has been testifying at the Madlanga Commission, which was established to investigate possible political interference and corruption in the country’s law enforcement agencies.  

Gopaul gave evidence about the death of the African National Congress (ANC) Mandeni councillor, Phendukani Mabhida.  

On the 5th of February last year, Mabhida was shot and killed in his home.  

Gopaul said on the night of the murder, he received a call from Mchunu, asking to be kept abreast of the details of the case.

He said in his 35 years of experience as a police officer, it's not normal for a district commissioner to interact with a minister without permission from his principal. 

Gopaul told the commission he called Mchunu on 7 February to update him on the suspects appearing in court for Mabhida's murder.  
 
He said their last communication on the matter was on 15 February when Mchunu left him three missed calls.