A senior police official has accused South Africa’s police minister of obstructing investigations into political corruption, triggering widespread demands for a national inquiry.
KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu interfered in probes involving high-profile killings and received money from a corruption suspect.
Speaking at a tense media briefing flanked by masked and armed officers, Mkhwanazi said a criminal investigation into Mchunu and others was underway for blocking efforts to dismantle organised crime networks.
The accusations sent shockwaves through the political establishment and forced President Cyril Ramaphosa to respond from the BRICS summit in Brazil.
“This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention,” Ramaphosa said, vowing decisive action on his return.
Mchunu denied the charges, dismissing them as “insinuations made without evidence or due processes,” though he welcomed an investigation into the claims.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) called for the matter to be handled with “urgency and seriousness” amid mounting pressure from across the political spectrum.
The opposition Democratic Alliance demanded a parliamentary debate, calling the allegations “disturbing” and a threat to the country’s law enforcement integrity.
South Africa’s fragile stability continues to be tested by deep-rooted corruption and organised crime, threatening its democratic institutions and economic recovery.
With trust in public officials eroding, the nation watches closely as the highest levels of power come under scrutiny.
