Police Minister Senzo Mchunu who is on a special leave is demanding that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi avails concrete evidence of the allegations against him. Mchunu is also mullling the idea of writing to his party to reverse his voluntary step-aside as national prayers of support in his name keep popping up.
Image: ARMAND HOUGH Independent Newspapers
On-leave Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has issued a scathing response to the latest round of allegations levelled against him by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, dismissing them as "untrue, unfounded, and deliberately intended to tarnish (his) reputation".
Mchunu's statement, released Friday, follows Mkhwanazi’s appearance before the parliamentary ad hoc committee on Wednesday as the last witness of the parliamentary process. During these proceedings, Mkhwanazi characterised Mchunu as an "enabler for criminality".
The friction between the two high-ranking officials centres on several claims made by Mkhwanazi across various platforms, including the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry where he alleged that awaiting-trial prisoner Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala had a conference call with Mchunu, former National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi, and lawyers to pressure Matlala into signing a false affidavit.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who returned to give evidence before the ad hoc committee this week is being challenged by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to provide evidence of his allegations against him.
Image: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers
The commissioner, whose contract was extended by a further five years this week, previously suggested that Mchunu was "fully involved" in decisions taken by a criminal syndicate. Mchunu has rejected these claims in their entirety, asserting that he is not part of any criminal syndicate and is instead focused on fighting corruption. He noted that Mkhwanazi has presented "no proof whatsoever" to support these serious public accusations.
The minister's defence comes at a difficult point. This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially denied being consulted and approving the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) on New Year's Eve in 2024 in his reply to the ad hoc committee. Mkhwanazi has alleged that the PKTT was dissolved because its "sterling work" in Gauteng had started to uncover criminal syndicates involving members of the criminal justice system. While Mchunu admitted to being the "sole author" of the directives regarding the team, he maintains the allegations of ulterior motives are baseless.
Mchunu is now demanding that Mkhwanazi provide concrete evidence to the Madlanga Commission to back his claims. He further accused Mkhwanazi of manipulating investigations, noting that the commissioner is acting as both the complainant and an investigator in the same matter. "I am part of those who are fighting against corruption in the country and my record in government speaks for itself," said Mchunu.
Despite the mounting legal and political scrutiny, Mchunu appears to be leaning on a spiritual support base. He has given his blessings to a series of "national prayers" held in his name across the country. Following events in Mbombela and Durban, a third national prayer was held this Friday, March 20, 2026, in Cape Town. These gatherings have featured a recurring lineup of gospel artists, many hailing from the minister's home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Last week, Mchunu was reportedly mulling the idea of approaching the ANC to reverse his voluntary step-aside so he could resume his organisational duties.
His spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, confirmed that Mchunu is considering writing to ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula to reverse his step-aside. His step-aside request was initially rejected by the National Executive Committee (NEC).