Mchunu Granted Special Leave from ANC Duties

(The Post News) –Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been granted special leave from African National Congress (ANC) duties.

Mchunu wanted to step down from his roles in the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC). His request was initially turned down.

The ANC clarified that its step-aside policy only applies to members formally charged in a court of law.

ANC’s Decision to Grant Special Leave

The announcement was made by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula during a media briefing in Johannesburg. Mbalula explained that the decision followed Mchunu’s request to step aside from party activities while investigations into corruption allegations continue.

Mchunu’s leave comes after weeks of mounting pressure.

“That is what has guided the National Working Committee to then grant Comrade Senzo. The request that he made that he wished to step aside to be on special leave equally in terms of the party work,” says Mbalula.

Allegations surfaced during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and parliamentary hearings into corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of attempting to disband the Political Killings Task Team. Mchunu allegedly aimed to shield criminal cartels operating in the province.

Initially, the ANC resisted Mchunu’s request to step aside, insisting he continue his organisational duties despite the probe.

In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave from his role as Police Minister. This decision followed claims of meddling in police investigations.

The party has shifted its stance. It granted him leave in line with its National Conference Resolutions on Credibility and Integrity. This requires leaders facing serious allegations to step back until matters are resolve.

Managing Corruption Fallout

The corruption allegations against Mchunu have intensified. Testimony at both the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Police Corruption prompted this intensification.

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola also questioned Mchunu’s reaction when police added another political killing case to their workload. Instead of supporting the investigation, Mchunu allegedly suggested that the unit should be winding down. Masemola interpreted this as interference in legitimate police work.

Further testimony linked Mchunu to individuals such as Brown Mogotsi. It was said that Mogotsi possessed insider knowledge of police operations. This raised suspicions about leaks and compromised investigations.

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee heard claims of Mchunu’s alleged ties to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. A suspected criminal figure facing multiple counts of murder, money laundering and fraud.

This intensifying scrutiny of Mchunu’s conduct.

He has denied wrongdoing. He has pledged cooperation with the inquiries. Despite this, the allegations have already damaged his standing within the ANC and the government. The party’s decision to grant him special leave is widely seen as an attempt to contain reputational fallout. This is happening while investigations continue.