Never Accused of Corruption Before July 6, Says Police Minister Mchunu
Embattled police minister Senzo Mchunu, appearing before the Madlanga commission, stated that he had never been accused of corruption prior to July 6. This revelation came on the heels of a press conference by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that Mchunu was involved in a criminal syndicate infiltrating law enforcement and intelligence services.
"I have never been accused of corruption, not once," Mchunu asserted at the commission. "This is the first time I have been accused of such, particularly on July 6."
Mchunu was accompanied by a legal team, including Adv Thembeka Ngcukaitobi, as he provided his evidence. Mkhwanazi's accusations stem from the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which Mchunu claims was influenced by criminal cartels. These cartels allegedly believed the PKTT was investigating them after raids on Katiso "Kt" Molefe and Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala on December 6.
However, Mchunu testified that he was never briefed about any raid or operation resembling the December 6 raid. He also emphasized that the PKTT was not a permanent structure of the SAPS and had no dedicated budget. Its funding had to be sourced from various units, and government projects are typically time-bound, he noted.
Mchunu further stated that the PKTT would have been dissolved as early as 2024, as it would have overlapped with other specialized units, leading to unnecessary duplication. The hearing continues, with the Sowetan reporting on the ongoing proceedings.
