Johannesburg – A seismic shake-up in South Africa’s Ministry of Police has thrown the coalition government into disarray, shining a stark light on deeper governance strains.
On 13 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave while launching a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate serious allegations of collusion with organised crime and interference in politically sensitive investigations.
The decisive step came after KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu, and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, of dismantling a special task force probing political assassinations and shielding a criminal syndicate involving politicians, police, prosecutors and business interests.
The drama has unnerved South Africa’s fragile Government of National Unity, formed after the ANC lost its outright parliamentary majority in 2024.
Opposition parties, such as the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters, have accused Ramaphosa of deflecting rather than solving the crisis, with calls for immediate dismissal, not temporary leave.
Business and civil‑society leaders have voiced concerns that the flurry of commissions may leave the root issues unaddressed. The Black Business Council urged an urgent and credible inquiry to prevent further erosion of public confidence in the police.
Analysts warn the scandal threatens investor confidence amid persistent high crime and sluggish economic growth. Restoring trust will require not only resolving this case but reforming systemic issues within South Africa’s criminal justice and policing architecture.
As Ramaphosa navigates this crisis, the outcome of the commission may determine more than Minister Mchunu’s fate, it could shape South Africa’s ability to govern responsibly and combat corruption in the years ahead.
Johannesburg – A seismic shake-up in South Africa’s Ministry of Police has thrown the coalition government into disarray, shining a stark light on deeper governance strains.
On 13 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave while launching a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate serious allegations of collusion with organised crime and interference in politically sensitive investigations.
The decisive step came after KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu, and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, of dismantling a special task force probing political assassinations and shielding a criminal syndicate involving politicians, police, prosecutors and business interests.
The drama has unnerved South Africa’s fragile Government of National Unity, formed after the ANC lost its outright parliamentary majority in 2024.
Opposition parties, such as the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters, have accused Ramaphosa of deflecting rather than solving the crisis, with calls for immediate dismissal, not temporary leave.
Business and civil‑society leaders have voiced concerns that the flurry of commissions may leave the root issues unaddressed. The Black Business Council urged an urgent and credible inquiry to prevent further erosion of public confidence in the police.
Analysts warn the scandal threatens investor confidence amid persistent high crime and sluggish economic growth. Restoring trust will require not only resolving this case but reforming systemic issues within South Africa’s criminal justice and policing architecture.
As Ramaphosa navigates this crisis, the outcome of the commission may determine more than Minister Mchunu’s fate, it could shape South Africa’s ability to govern responsibly and combat corruption in the years ahead.