Did the Hawks overstep? Police Portfolio head weighs in on raid at comedian Anton Taylor's home
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron has taken to social media to slam Senzo Mchunu for abusing his power, following a raid at the home of Cape Town-based funnyman, Anton Taylor.
Taylor, a well-known public figure in South Africa, is known for his comedy and, like most comedians in South Africa, touches on trending topics, especially about politicians.
However, Taylor did not know that making a video of the now-suspended Police Minister would turn into a rollercoaster involving the Hawks, lawyers, and a courtroom.
On March 29, 2025, Taylor posted a video (which has since been pinned to his social media profiles) where he spoke about Mchunu welcoming the investigation into the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi by members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
“This is a brilliant smear campaign orchestrated by corrupt politicians who were getting worried that Lord Mkhwanazi would come for them. Criminals across South Africa are celebrating! Halala! [sic]” Taylor’s caption to his video read.
At the time, General Mkhwanazi declared war on all criminals, including corrupt officials.
In his video, Taylor, who speaks in a Czech accent, pretends to be a high-stakes criminal involved in drugs, hijackings, and cash-in-transit robberies. He pretends that it’s ‘Christmas Day’ for criminals knowing Mkhwanazi may be stopped in his tracks.
But, one bit of the video touched a nerve with Mchunu where Taylor said: “I had to pay Mchunu a lot of money. I am giving him a BMW and I am paying for the three prostitutes. But the reason I get them to investigate Mkhwanazi is because I am telling them, you are next! [sic]”
Ishubile @Senzo_Mchunu_ pic.twitter.com/cdzYc34bhc
— Anton Taylor (@Anton_Taylor) August 29, 2025
Speaking to IOL, Taylor said the raid on his home took place in June.
“I was in America at the time [of the raid]. I woke up and I had 10 missed calls from security and the building manager. The Hawks officer left a number for the building manager to contact when I return, so I called him,” Taylor said.
Being far away, Taylor was extremely confused and concerned because the Hawks are known for investigating extremely serious crimes.
Ironically, Mchunu was suspended as police minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July, following allegations, which will now be probed by a parliamentary inquiry.
Cape Town mayor @geordinhl asked me which judge signed off on the search warrant for the seizure of my phone… I just re-read the warrant. Here you go. pic.twitter.com/Erm2I0lEcq
— Anton Taylor (@Anton_Taylor) August 29, 2025
Taylor returned to South Africa on June 24, and met with the Hawks on June 25.
“I was not the happiest at the time. The original statement said the crime was ‘crimes against the state’. I sought legal advice,” Taylor said.
While many may be asking why this matter was only brought to light now, Taylor said they were informed 10 days ago that the case was dismissed by prosecutors.
“I did not bring this up because I was advised by legal counsel to remain quiet on the matter as it was an ongoing court case. The case was dismissed and we were only told recently,” he said.
IOL reached out to the Hawks on the merits of the house raid.
The Hawks’ Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said an investigation was launched after charges were filed.
“An investigation was launched after a criminal case was opened by the Minister of Police following a video was circulating on social media, where the person of interest is alleging that he is financing the Minister’s lifestyle. A case was registered under Cybercrimes Act ( Damaging the dignity of the person on social media without consent ), and the matter was assessed and investigated accordingly. The docket has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for decision.
“The DPCI conducts all investigations on merit, without fear, favour or prejudice,” Mbambo said.
However Cameron took to social media to call out Mchunu on the “abuse of power”.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cameron said when satire triggers a Hawks raid one has to ask what has become of state power.
“For Senzo Mchunu to lay charges and for the Hawks to act on them is one of the highest forms of political overreach and interference,” he said.
Cameron has compared this conduct to that of North-Korea leadership.
“This kind of conduct is North Korea–esque. It is an abuse of power that in itself should be considered criminal. The Hawks, as a specialised crime-fighting unit, should know better than to be weaponised against a citizen exercising free expression. South Africa cannot allow political figures to use the state to shield themselves from satire and criticism,” Cameron said.
Taylor, who has since found the humour in the situation, said he feels very strongly about what happened.
“I was scared that he [Mchunu] would not acknowledge this, but he acknowledged it. The Hawks also admitted he initiated it. It’s a bad time for him. I feel that there is no need for any inquiry at all. This evidence is enough or him to be removed,” Taylor told IOL.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL