Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has handed over electronic devices to the police in connection with a case opened by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding allegations of defeating the ends of justice.

Mchunu’s newly appointed spokesperson, Sithembiso Mshengu, said that the minister voluntarily handed over the devices on Thursday.

This is part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and interference in the justice system.

“We believe it relates to the case opened by the KZN commissioner for defeating the ends of justice,” Mshengu told IOL News.

He said Mchunu would continue to cooperate fully with the authorities.

“Mr Mchunu reiterates his full cooperation with all lawful processes and reaffirms his unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law,” Mshengu said.

The spokesperson also emphasised that Mchunu maintains his innocence.

“From the outset, Mr Mchunu has maintained that he has nothing to hide and welcomes any lawful investigation aimed at clarifying facts and upholding the integrity of public office.”

“He remains confident that due process will confirm his actions have been ethical, lawful, and consistent with his duties as a member of the executive. Mr Mchunu remains focused on his responsibility to serve the people of South Africa and safeguard the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions,” Mshengu added.

Mkhwanazi previously said he had opened a case of defeating the ends of justice against individuals who attempted to prevent the Political Killings Task Team from exposing corruption in Gauteng.

Mkhwanazi said that while testifying on the second day of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria in September.

He explained that KZN’s task team had been requested by Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo to assist the Gauteng counterintelligence unit in investigating high-profile murders in the province. 

However, once the team began working, it encountered significant obstacles and pushback.

The top cop emphasised that Mchunu’s letter instructing the disbandment of the KZN political task team was an attempt to block the team from uncovering corruption in Gauteng’s criminal justice system.

“The defeating the ends of justice case that I reported relates to the people who were involved in stopping this investigation,” he said.

Mchunu was placed on special leave after Mkhwanazi accused him of interfering in high-profile criminal investigations to protect individuals linked to crime syndicates and senior police officials.

During a media briefing in July, Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the Political Task Team investigating political killings and organised crime in the province. 

He said the directive, issued in December 2024, was made under pressure from associates including controversial businessman Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala, who has been arrested for attempted murder, and alleged political informant Brown Mogotsi.

Mkhwanazi also alleged that Matlala had been awarded a R360 million police contract in 2024 and had contributed to Mchunu’s political activities, alongside Mogotsi. 

He claimed senior police officials linked to drug cartels were stalling investigations into the murders of several well-known entertainment figures.

In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.

Mchunu’s name has featured prominently before both the Madlanga Commission and the Parliament ad hoc committee, which are investigating allegations of corruption, criminal conduct, and interference in the justice system.

Central to the investigations is his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team, which Mchunu said had outlived its purpose. 

Appearing before the committee, he defended the move, arguing the team no longer served a functional role.

Both the commission and the ad hoc committee are continuing their inquiries.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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