Ramaphosa Breaks Silence on Mkhwanazi Allegations as Nation Awaits Action
By Thabo Mosia
Pretoria, 10 July 2025 – The Presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Sunday, 13 July 2025, at 19h00, regarding serious allegations rocking the South African Police Service (SAPS). This follows a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior SAPS leadership of corruption and interference in critical investigations. The President’s speech, set to be broadcast and streamed across various platforms, aims to restore public trust amid a growing scandal threatening national security.
Explosive Allegations Shake SAPS
The drama unfolded on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when Mkhwanazi held a press briefing at the KZN Police Headquarters in Durban. Flanked by deputies and tactical teams, he accused Mchunu of orchestrating the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team—a unit established in 2018 to tackle politically motivated violence. Mkhwanazi claimed the team, which has handled over 600 cases and secured convictions totaling more than 1,800 years, was shut down to protect a criminal syndicate involving politicians, police, prosecutors, and business figures.
Mkhwanazi presented evidence, including WhatsApp messages and payment records, allegedly linking Mchunu to businessman Brown Mogotsi and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a tender recipient arrested for attempted murder. He alleged that on 31 December 2024, Mchunu ordered the task team’s dissolution and the withdrawal of 121 case dockets, stalling investigations into high-profile crimes, including the murders of prominent South African artists since 2021. These dockets, Mkhwanazi said, remain untouched at SAPS headquarters under Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s watch.
Political and Public Backlash
The Democratic Alliance (DA) reacted swiftly, with Deputy Chief Whip Baxolile Nodada laying fraud charges against Mchunu at Cape Town Central Police Station on 10 July 2025. The DA accuses Mchunu of misleading Parliament by denying knowledge of Mogotsi in March 2025, only to later admit knowing him as “a comrade” on 9 July. Nodada argued this contradiction violates the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act, demanding accountability for what he called “unacceptable evasion” amid corruption allegations.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) echoed these concerns, labelling the ANC-led government a “mafia state” and praising Mkhwanazi’s bravery. They demanded an urgent Portfolio Committee briefing from Mchunu. Meanwhile, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) lodged a complaint with the Public Protector, questioning whether Mchunu’s actions reflect a conflict of interest or protect criminal networks.
Public sentiment has been equally charged. Brown Mogotsi, whose security is reportedly compromised following the allegations, promised to share his side of the story soon, citing threats and phone issues. Matlala, found with a cellphone in Kgoši Mampuru Correctional Centre on 6 July, remains a focal point, with evidence suggesting he funded Mchunu’s political activities.
Government and SAPS Response
Mchunu rejected the allegations as “baseless” on 6 July, insisting he has never met Matlala or sought favours from him. He admitted initiating a review of Matlala’s R360 million SAPS tender—later cancelled in May 2025—when suspicions arose. However, his denial of knowing Mogotsi has been contradicted by his own statements, fuelling calls for investigation.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola defended Mkhwanazi’s actions, stating he operated within his jurisdiction during the briefing. Masemola, addressing the media on 10 July during a firearm destruction event, acknowledged the “unprecedented” crisis, pledging to restore trust. He confirmed beefing up Mkhwanazi’s security amid reported threats, while 12,499 firearms were destroyed that day—part of a broader effort to curb violent crime.
President Ramaphosa, returning from the BRICS Summit in Brazil on 7 July, urged restraint in a statement on 6 July, calling the matter a “grave national security concern.” He promised decisive action upon his return, a commitment reiterated by the Presidency today. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has also directed urgent parliamentary reviews by the Police, Justice, and Intelligence committees, reflecting the issue’s gravity.
A Nation on Edge
The allegations have exposed deep rifts within SAPS and the government. Mkhwanazi’s claims of a Gauteng-based syndicate—linked to drugs, political killings, and artist murders—have heightened fears of systemic corruption. His team’s support for Gauteng’s Organised Crime Unit uncovered firearms tied to unsolved cases, yet interference allegedly stalled progress. The ANC, through Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, expects a report from Mchunu and supports a full probe, warning against projecting South Africa as a “banana republic.”
Civil society and analysts have long flagged SAPS vulnerabilities. The task team’s successes—436 arrests, 156 firearms seized—contrast sharply with its abrupt disbandment, raising questions about political motives. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and ANCYL President Collen Malatji have backed Mkhwanazi, with Malatji demanding arrests over “press briefings” if evidence exists.
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