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This article requires pre-publication review by an uninvolved reviewer (one not substantially involved in writing the article). –Article last amended: Jul 13 at 19:17:25 UTC (history) |
| This article requires pre-publication review by an uninvolved reviewer (one not substantially involved in writing the article).
–Article last amended: Jul 13 at 19:17:25 UTC (history) |
Sunday, July 13, 2025
South African president places police minister on leave amid allegations of shielding crime syndicates
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Pretoria, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday 13 July placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave, following allegations that he interfered with elite law enforcement units to protect organized crime.
In a televised address to the nation, Ramaphosa said a “judicial commission of inquiry” will be established to investigate claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi a week ago, who alleged that Mchunu disbanded a specialized crime-fighting task team and blocked investigations into high-profile syndicates.
The President said the commission will be led by a retired judge and will report to the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament within six months.
“We must never allow the authority of the state to be captured by criminal interests,” said Ramaphosa, calling on all South Africans to support the inquiry and report any evidence they may have.
Professor Firoz Cachalia, who chair the South African National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, has been appointed as acting Minister of Police.
The President said the allegations were serious enough to warrant immediate action, adding that “no one is above the law.”
The announcement comes amid mounting concerns over rising crime and the perception of political interference in policing.
