The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for the immediate resignation of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu following damning allegations of political interference, sabotage of investigations, and systemic corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The demands come after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu of disbanding a high-performing task team investigating political killings in the province.
Explosive Allegations Rock SAPS
In a televised press conference, Mkhwanazi claimed that Mchunu and other senior SAPS officials obstructed critical investigations, allegedly to protect politically connected crime syndicates. The EFF has since thrown its weight behind Mkhwanazi, labeling SAPS as the “chief crime syndicate” in South Africa.
EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys, in an interview, condemned the minister’s alleged misconduct, stating: “The South African Police Service is the chief crime syndicate operating in this country. All other crime syndicates answer to it.” She accused Mchunu and his deputies of showing no urgency in addressing the claims, further eroding public trust in law enforcement.
Calls for Urgent Action
Mathys demanded a complete overhaul of SAPS leadership, including mass resignations, independent vetting of top officials, and a parliamentary inquiry with strict terms of reference. “If they had any integrity, they would resign immediately,” she said, emphasizing that whistleblowers and evidence must be brought before Parliament to expose the full extent of corruption.
The EFF has already submitted a request to Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for an urgent debate and an independent investigation. The party insists that mere discussions are insufficient, calling instead for prosecutions and jail time for implicated officials.
SAPS Leadership in Disarray
The allegations have exposed deep fractures within SAPS leadership. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya have denied wrongdoing, with Sibiya dismissing Mkhwanazi’s claims as “disappointing” and damaging to SAPS’ reputation.
Meanwhile, Mchunu has vowed to defend his integrity, promising an investigation into Mkhwanazi’s allegations. However, critics, including the EFF, argue that the minister’s position is untenable. “Nobody trusts the police anymore. If your house is broken into, you only report it for insurance—not because you expect justice,” Mathys remarked.
Public Outcry and Political Fallout
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration, with opposition parties and civil society groups demanding accountability. The EFF has warned that failure to act could lead to a complete breakdown in law and order, pushing citizens toward mob justice.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Ramaphosa to address the crisis. With SAPS’ credibility at an all-time low, the call for Mchunu’s resignation may only be the beginning of a broader reckoning for South Africa’s embattled police service.