Professor Firoz Cachalia to Head Police Ministry While Mchunu Cooperates with Inquiry
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced tonight, 13 July 2025 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria: “Professor Firoz Cachalia to Head Police Ministry While Mchunu Cooperates with Inquiry.” In a firm, measured address, he placed Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave and revealed that Professor Firoz Cachalia will serve as acting Police Minister. This marks a decisive response to explosive allegations made last Sunday by KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that Mchunu colluded with a criminal syndicate, interfered in police investigations and disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in KZN.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s security, the integrity of law enforcement, and public trust are at stake. He stressed these allegations – if proven – threaten South Africans’ confidence in the SAPS and the entire criminal justice system.
To investigate, a judicial commission led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, assisted by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, will probe alleged infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and justice institutions by criminal syndicates. The commission has powers to recommend immediate criminal investigations, suspensions and prosecutions, and is expected to submit interim reports after three and six months, with a final report to be made public. Mchunu has pledged full cooperation.
What sparked the crisis?
On 6 July in Durban, Lt‑Gen Mkhwanazi held a dramatic briefing. He alleged a “sophisticated criminal syndicate” had infiltrated SAPS, metro police, correctional services, the judiciary, prosecution and intelligence. He accused the Minister of Police and top SAPS officials, including Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, of suppressing investigations into politically motivated killings.
He presented WhatsApp messages and what he described as classified internal SAPS documentation, saying:
- Mchunu interfered in politically sensitive investigations;
- He colluded with businessmen and “a murder accused” to disband the Political Killings Task Team in KZN;
- More than 121 dockets were seized from the unit earlier this year and “neutralised” in Gauteng;
- A network involving SAPS, metro police, corrections, judiciary, prosecutors and politicians was protecting drug‑cartel linked suspects.
Commissioner Mkhwanazi asserted he would “fight to the end” and protect the badge, despite the risks. His press briefing triggered national alarm and cries for accountability.
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Swift political and institutional response
Within days:
- President Ramaphosa cut short his BRICS summit duties in Brazil, stating he’d engage with the allegations on his return.
() - Several political parties—including the DA, EFF, IFP, ATM and others—demanded Mchunu’s dismissal and rapid independent inquiry.
- The DA has filed criminal fraud charges against Mchunu in Cape Town, accusing him of lying to Parliament by initially denying links to businessman Brown Mogotsi and later admitting acquaintance.
- The ATM’s Vuyo Zungula lodged a complaint with the Public Protector under the Executive Members Ethics Act, citing political interference and conflicts involving a R360 million SAPS tender awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
- Public Protector’s office confirmed opening an investigation into Mchunu based on ATM’s submission.
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Gifts and public outpouring of support
Social media user Chris Excel and over 400 supporters raised R38 910 via BackaBuddy to “buy two cows” for Mkhwanazi in a show of solidarity. The donation exceeded its R35 000 target.
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The humanitarian NGO Gift of the Givers also called for Ramaphosa to hear Mkhwanazi’s concerns directly and support him with crime‑fighting resources, from improved technology and vehicles to morale-boosting efforts. They praised his courage, emphasising that backing Mkhwanazi is supporting the many honest SAPS members risking their lives daily.
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Backlash from the judiciary
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, speaking on 10 July, urged Mkhwanazi and National Commissioner Masemola to provide evidence backing allegations of judiciary collusion with criminals—via formal complaints to the JSC or Magistrates Commission. She warned unsubstantiated claims damage public trust in the courts.
Explosive connections: the Matlala‑Mogotsi‑Mchunu axis
Investigative records—including from an April interview and Mkhwanazi’s July briefing—highlight the alleged role of:
- Brown “Cat” Matlala: A controversial businessman who secured a R360 million SAPS tender in 2024, later cancelled; arrested for attempted murder; allegedly in touch with Mchunu through Mogotsi.
- Brown “comrade” Mogotsi: Said to have fuller access to classified material and communicated with Matlala that the task team had been shut; allegedly known to Mchunu.
() - Minister Mchunu: Denied knowledge of Matlala, but admitted knowing Mogotsi as “a comrade.” He claimed he reviewed Mogotsi‑associated SAPS contract before it was cancelled.
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These revelations fed Supreme Court scrutiny and triggered multiple, overlapping investigations.
Public Protector steps in
By 10 July, the Public Protector accepted ATM leader Zungula’s complaint, launching a probe into allegations of political interference, corruption, and misconduct. These included:
- Misleading Parliament about Mogotsi;
- Improper interference in SAPS operations;
- Disbanding the Political Killings Task Team;
- Delaying or derailing investigations to shield syndicates;
- Possible conflict of interest in awarding the R360 million contract.
The investigation falls under both the Constitution and the Executive Members Ethics Act; no final deadline has been set, but progress updates will follow designated timelines.
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Mchunu’s reaction
Despite serious allegations, Mchunu has stated he respects the president’s decision and pledges full cooperation. He denied acquaintance with Matlala, clarified his relationship with Mogotsi as mere companionship, and stressed actions regarding the tender came amid suspicion of wrongdoing.
Political spectrum reacts
- EFF leader Julius Malema, speaking at David Mabuza’s funeral, urged immediate dismissal of Mchunu: “He came into the role tainted, very new but already compromised.”
- DA’s Deputy Chief Whip Baxolile ‘Bax’ Nodada confirmed fraud charges and parliamentary ethics submissions; demanded transparency from Ramaphosa.
- IFP’s Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP praised the appointment of Cachalia and the commission, stating, “The war against crime will not be won… if the fish is rotten at the head.”
- KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli welcomed deeper investigation but emphasised the need for further clarity and due process.
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The ANC’s Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula stated that Mchunu will face the party’s Integrity Commission and must brief ANC structures. The party emphasised the seriousness of preserving democratic institutions.
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Enter Professor Firoz Cachalia
To fill the leadership void, on 13 July Ramaphosa appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police, effective August. Until then, an interim minister from the Cabinet will serve.
Cachalia is a respected law professor at Wits and currently chairs the National Anti‑Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as Gauteng MEC for Community Safety (2004–2009) and Economic Development MEC (2009–2010).
This appointment complies with Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, allowing up to two ministers from outside Parliament. Cachalia is retiring from Wits at month‑end, ensuring no institutional overlap.
The commission’s mandate
The newly announced commission will investigate:
- Criminal syndicate infiltration of SAPS, NPA, SSA, courts, metro police and correctional services;
- Suppression or manipulation of investigations;
- Collusion or criminal conduct by senior officials and ministers;
- Intimidation or persecution of whistleblowers;
- Failure of oversight mechanisms and legislative safeguards.
Commissioners have authority to recommend suspensions, criminal investigations and prosecutions. Interim reports are due at three and six months, with a final report submitted to the President, Chief Justice, and Speaker of the National Assembly.
Ramaphosa’s rebuilding strategy
Ramaphosa cited ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement (e.g. SIU, Asset Forfeiture Unit). He reiterated these allegations must not derail progress in combating organised crime and rebuilding public trust.
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National Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed Mkhwanazi’s media briefing was within protocol, beefed up his protection, and affirmed there’d be no persecution of officials who expose wrongdoing. Masemola also outlined ongoing arms destruction operations to remove firearms from criminal circuits.
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