The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged a criminal complaint against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, accusing him of lying to Parliament about his association with businessman Brown Mokgotsi, a figure linked to corruption allegations involving the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The complaint, filed under the Powers and Privileges Act, follows Mchunu’s contradictory statements regarding his relationship with Mokgotsi. In March, during a Portfolio Committee on Police meeting, Mchunu denied knowing Mokgotsi, stating: “I don’t know this person.” However, on Wednesday, July 9, the minister issued a statement acknowledging Mokgotsi as his “comrade” and associate.
Allegations of Corruption and Misconduct
Mokgotsi has been implicated as a middleman between Mchunu and a jailed businessman who secured multimillion-rand tenders from SAPS. Additionally, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi revealed that Mokgotsi possessed confidential police documents, raising further concerns about improper influence.
The DA and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have also submitted complaints against Mchunu to Parliament’s Ethics and Executive Members’ Committee, demanding accountability. DA representatives argue that Mchunu’s shifting statements constitute a deliberate breach of parliamentary rules.
“Minister Mchunu deliberately lied to members of Parliament, violating Section 77 of the Powers and Privileges Act,” a DA spokesperson said. “We cannot have a police minister who misleads the public and Parliament. He must be held accountable.”
Calls for Investigation and Resignation
The EFF has echoed these demands, insisting that Mchunu must face consequences for misleading Parliament. Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has escalated the matter by laying a perjury charge against Mchunu at the Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria.
Pressure is mounting for an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations, with opposition parties warning that the scandal undermines public trust in SAPS leadership. As calls for Mchunu’s resignation grow, the case highlights ongoing concerns over political accountability and corruption within South Africa’s security structures.