President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his national address on July 13, 2025, responded to serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding corruption and misconduct within the police service. These allegations implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police officials in collusion with criminal syndicates, including drug cartels, and interference in sensitive investigations such as the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. Ramaphosa emphasized that these claims represent a grave threat to national security and the integrity of law enforcement, requiring urgent and decisive action from his administration.
Key points from Ramaphosa’s address include:
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The appointment of a judicial commission of inquiry led by Mbuyiseli Madlanga to investigate the allegations thoroughly.
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Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to go on special leave immediately.
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Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University appointed as Acting Minister of Police during this period.
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The commission will report to Parliament and the Chief Justice, with initial findings expected within three months and a final report within six months.
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the security services. He urged all involved parties to exercise restraint to avoid undermining police unity and effectiveness. He acknowledged the critical role of the police in protecting South Africans and enforcing the law, affirming that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences under the constitution and legal frameworks.
The President also highlighted the broader implications of the crisis, linking security directly to economic development and public trust. He warned that erosion of trust between citizens and security agencies could harm investment, national confidence, and development prospects.
Timeline of events:
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July 6, 2025: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly reveals allegations of police corruption and criminal syndicate infiltration during a media briefing.
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July 6–13, 2025: President Ramaphosa attends the BRICS summit in Brazil but remains engaged with security officials and stakeholders regarding the allegations.
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July 13, 2025: Ramaphosa addresses the nation at 7:30 PM SAST, announcing the judicial commission, Minister Mchunu’s special leave, and the appointment of an acting minister, outlining the investigative process and timelines.
The key allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which President Ramaphosa addressed, include:
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Corruption and collusion with criminal syndicates: Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, and other senior officials of being involved in a crime syndicate that includes politicians, prosecutors, judges, senior police officers, and drug cartels. This syndicate allegedly obstructs justice and protects criminal activities across KwaZulu-Natal and nationally.
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Interference in investigations: Mkhwanazi claimed that Minister Mchunu deliberately disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in December 2024 to shield this syndicate from investigation. The closure of this effective unit was not authorized by the National Police Commissioner but orchestrated by the Minister.
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Concealment and tampering with evidence: Sensitive case dockets implicating high-ranking government and law enforcement figures were reportedly locked away or hidden, preventing proper investigation. Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages and ballistic tests linking weapons used in political killings since 2021 to members of this syndicate.
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Abuse of police secret funds: Senior politicians and politically connected individuals were accused of abusing the police secret fund (with an annual budget of about R600 million), which is intended for informants, covert operations, and witness protection. Some politicians allegedly claimed payments for safe houses that were actually their residences, indicating fraudulent contracts.
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Targeting of honest officers: Officers involved in investigating the syndicate or political killings were reportedly targeted and undermined, creating a hostile environment for law enforcement integrity.
These allegations have sparked a political crisis, widespread public concern, and calls for urgent and transparent investigations into corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
