South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken decisive action by suspending Police Minister Senzo Mchunu amidst serious allegations of corruption and collusion with criminal syndicates. The suspension, announced on Sunday, July 13, 2025, follows accusations leveled by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged Mchunu interfered in sensitive investigations and received payments from a corruption suspect.

Mkhwanazi further accused Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of dismantling a crucial crime-fighting unit investigating politically motivated killings, shielding politically connected individuals. He claimed the unit's investigation revealed that politicians, law enforcement officials, and members of the judiciary were being controlled by drug cartels and businesspeople. Mkhwanazi himself is also under investigation for alleged corruption related to a bulletproof vest contract.

President Ramaphosa, in a televised address, stated that the allegations, if proven true, would undermine public confidence in the South African Police Service's ability to fight crime and corruption. He emphasized the importance of securing the credibility of the police as the country intensifies its fight against crime.

To address these serious allegations, Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The commission is mandated to investigate the alleged infiltration of South Africa's law enforcement and justice system by criminal syndicates. It will examine the role of current or former senior officials who may have aided criminal activity, failed to act on credible intelligence, or benefited from syndicate operations. The inquiry will also investigate potential complicity or benefit of any cabinet ministers responsible for the criminal justice system. The commission has the power to recommend criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions, and institutional reforms, including suspensions of implicated officials. Interim reports are expected within three and six months, with a final report to be submitted to the President, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Chief Justice.

In Mchunu's place, Professor Firoz Cachalia, a law professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and former ANC politician, has been appointed as acting Police Minister. Cachalia is also the chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. Ramaphosa noted that Cachalia will officially assume his duties in August after retiring from his post at Wits. In the interim, an acting minister from within Cabinet will be named to serve in the role.

Mchunu, who has rejected the allegations against him, welcomed Ramaphosa's decision and pledged his full cooperation with the commission of inquiry to clear his name. Opposition parties have criticized Ramaphosa for placing Mchunu on leave of absence instead of firing him.

The suspension of the police minister and the launch of the judicial commission of inquiry come at a time when South Africa is grappling with endemic corruption and concerns about political interference within law enforcement agencies. The allegations against Mchunu highlight the challenges facing the country's efforts to combat crime and corruption and restore public trust in its institutions.