South African Police Commissioner Accuses Minister of Criminal Associations
South African Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the Provincial Police Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, has made grave allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, claiming he has ties to a criminal syndicate and is obstructing key investigations.
In a press conference held on Sunday, Mkhwanazi presented evidence suggesting that businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala financially supported Mchunu’s political ambitions. He asserted that this support included attempts to interfere with investigations by altering the transfer of case dockets.
Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya responded to these claims by dismissing them as baseless. He challenged Mkhwanazi to publicly produce any evidence and accused him of breaching police protocols through his unverified assertions.
Mkhwanazi’s comments arose during discussions about the Political Killings Task Team, established in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to a rise in political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal. This multidisciplinary task force comprises members from the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and State Security. It has investigated 612 cases, leading to 436 arrests and the recovery of 156 firearms—55 of which were linked ballistically to political killings.
He noted that the task team was disbanded in December 2024 following its inquiry into a Gauteng crime syndicate allegedly connected to high-ranking officials.
Allegations Regarding Ministerial Communications with the Syndicate
The commissioner shared WhatsApp messages retrieved from Matlala’s phone that reportedly reveal conversations between him and an associate of Mchunu. One message indicated: “I have set up a meeting for Sibiya and the minister. They need to find a solution. The task team that visited your home has been disbanded; they received notice on Monday. They are currently transferring all dockets to Sibiya.”
Mkhwanazi claimed Matlala had financed Mchunu’s political activities, providing evidence such as payments for travel expenses and a gala event held in Cape Town. Furthermore, he mentioned that Matlala was awarded a R360 million police contract but was instructed to “work on invoices” before it was abruptly canceled in May.
Allegations of Investigation Tampering
The commissioner charged Mchunu with obstructing the task team’s efforts, particularly after connections were identified between firearms confiscated in Gauteng and several high-profile murders. He alleged that senior police officials interfered with initiatives aimed at targeting the syndicate.
Additionally, he argued that actions taken by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption—including seizing evidence from the task team and arresting its project coordinator—were calculated moves designed to hinder ongoing investigations.
Deputy Commissioner’s Rebuttal
Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, who was mentioned in these purported communications, refuted Mkhwanazi’s accusations during an interview with SABC. Expressing his surprise and disappointment regarding the allegations, he remarked: “I spoke with General Mkhwanazi on Friday, and everything appeared satisfactory.”
