South Africa's Police Minister Under Fire for Alleged Gang Links

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stands accused of links to criminal gangs, casting a shadow over the integrity of law enforcement in South Africa.

South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been thrust into a scandal following serious allegations of ties to criminal organizations. During a press briefing, KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of receiving financial backing from a businessman entangled in corruption, aimed at furthering his political ambitions.

Mchunu dismissed these claims as “wild allegations.” Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the accusations, labeling them as matters of "grave national security concern," and confirmed that they are receiving urgent scrutiny.

Mkhwanazi elaborated on troubling occurrences, asserting that Mchunu’s intervention led to the dismantling of a task force initiated in 2018, aimed specifically at probing politically-linked murders primarily in KwaZulu-Natal. He alleged that this action was influenced by the task force’s findings, which purportedly unveiled connections to numerous high-profile figures, including politicians and police officers involved with a drug cartel syndicate.

Despite the ongoing investigations, Mchunu justified the task force's dissolution earlier this year, stating it was failing to produce results in the region despite unresolved cases. Mkhwanazi claimed that at least 121 investigative files were unlawfully removed from the team upon the minister's directive, stalling any potential probes.

The provincial police chief further implied that Mchunu's political endeavors were being financially bolstered by controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, who previously had a lucrative contract with the police until his arrest for attempted murder in May. Mkhwanazi provided text message evidence and details of a payment allegedly made by Matlala in support of these claims.

The national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, indicated he will address these serious allegations in an upcoming announcement concerning the temporary replacement of the crime intelligence head. This comes on the heels of the arrest of Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, the chief of criminal intelligence, as part of an investigation into corruption and misuse of police resources.

As the situation unfolds, South Africans watch closely, concerned about the implications for law enforcement and national security.