KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has made serious allegations implicating Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in a corruption scandal tied to organised crime. During a high-stakes media briefing in Durban on 6 July 2025, Mkhwanazi revealed WhatsApp conversations allegedly connecting Mchunu, his associate Brown Mogotsi, and attempted murder-accused Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala—a known figure with ties to a criminal syndicate.
According to Mkhwanazi, these messages were extracted from confiscated cellphones during police investigations. He claimed the conversations show that Matlala, who held a staggering R360 million contract with the South African Police Service (SAPS), was in communication with Mogotsi. In turn, Mogotsi reportedly relayed information and influence to Minister Mchunu.
One key revelation from the briefing was an alleged attempt to disband the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team. Mkhwanazi says this followed a police raid on Matlala’s residence and was communicated through WhatsApp messages between Matlala and Mogotsi—who then allegedly involved Mchunu.
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“Further analysis of the chats indicates that Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is financially supporting the Minister of Police and Mr. Brown Mogotsi’s political endeavours,” said Mkhwanazi. He backed this with claims of actual proof of payment for flights and accommodations related to the ANC’s January 8th celebrations and a gala dinner held in Cape Town in 2025. “The proof of payment, we have it,” Mkhwanazi asserted, stating that Matlala sent the payment receipts directly to Mogotsi.
Despite alleged pressure from the Police Minister, Mkhwanazi commended the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, for his leadership and refusal to shut down the task team. Mkhwanazi emphasized that SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal remains under the command of the National Commissioner and is politically accountable to the provincial executive through the premier.
“You correctly said we’ve got a chain of command. And I’ve said before, the National Commissioner, General Masemola, is my commander and nobody else,” Mkhwanazi clarified. He reiterated that provincial SAPS operations are governed by proper legal structures—not by ministerial interference.
The KwaZulu-Natal police boss further revealed that the evidence gathered so far has been submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). According to Mkhwanazi, discussions are underway regarding potential charges of defeating the ends of justice.
In response, the office of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu acknowledged Mkhwanazi’s explosive statements and said they are aware of the allegations. However, they plan to thoroughly review the claims before issuing a formal response.
This development has sparked a political firestorm, with several political parties calling for Mchunu to step down pending investigations. As pressure mounts, the country awaits a formal response from the Minister and clarity from the NPA on possible legal action.
This scandal comes at a time when public trust in law enforcement and political leadership is already under strain. With potential charges looming and political implications unfolding, the nation is closely watching the next steps in what could be a landmark case of political accountability.
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