Johannesburg – 9 July 2025
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced its intention to file criminal charges against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
DA spokesperson Lisa Schickerling confirmed that the charges would be officially laid on Thursday. The party cited Mkhwanazi’s recent press briefing, during which he accused Minister Mchunu of interfering with criminal investigations and allegedly colluding with criminal syndicates.
“These are not ordinary allegations,” said Schickerling. “They go to the heart of public trust in our law enforcement agencies. If true, they represent a catastrophic breach of Minister Mchunu’s oath of office.”
The move comes days after Lt Gen Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu of disbanding a key task team investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, and of instructing SAPS leadership to halt over 120 politically sensitive case files. He claimed to possess evidence in the form of communications and internal documentation.
Minister Mchunu has since dismissed the allegations as “unfounded and politically motivated,” denying any wrongdoing. He maintains that his actions as minister have always been in line with legal processes and SAPS operational protocols.
Parliament has responded swiftly. Speaker Thoko Didiza has referred the matter to three committees—Police, Justice and Correctional Services, and Intelligence—for urgent investigation. One of the committees will hold its proceedings behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Calls for accountability have grown louder, with several opposition parties—including the IFP, ATM, GOOD, EFF, and Build One SA—urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to take decisive action. Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission has called for an independent inquiry into the matter.
DA leader John Steenhuisen also weighed in, stating that Parliament has a duty to protect whistleblowers and ensure that those in power are held accountable.
“Mkhwanazi’s claims are serious, specific, and actionable. They deserve more than political deflection—they demand legal scrutiny,” said Steenhuisen.
The criminal complaint set to be filed by the DA is expected to include charges of obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and conspiracy to defeat the ends of justice.
As public pressure mounts and investigations begin, Minister Mchunu’s political future hangs in the balance. President Ramaphosa, currently abroad, is expected to address the matter upon his return.
