PRETORIA – National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has called on three parliamentary committees to investigate serious allegations tying Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to criminal underworld figures, including a jailed kingpin.
The call follows a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who on Sunday alleged that Mchunu was linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a convicted criminal currently behind bars for money laundering, conspiracy to commit murder, and attempted murder. Mkhwanazi claimed he had evidence of the alleged relationship, suggesting Mchunu acted to benefit Matlala by instructing the disbandment of the province’s political killings task team.
Didiza has now tasked the portfolio committees on police, justice and constitutional development, and the joint standing committee on intelligence to urgently examine the allegations and report back to the National Assembly.
Parliament confirmed on Wednesday that the speaker had written to the committees, citing the serious implications for national security.
Despite Mchunu’s alleged directive, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed the task team remains operational. “I have not signed a letter disbanding the unit, and I don’t think anybody has seen such a letter,” said Masemola.
He acknowledged being informed beforehand about Mkhwanazi’s press briefing, which publicly exposed internal tensions within the country’s top security structures.
Calls from two political parties for a parliamentary debate on the matter were turned down by Didiza, who said a debate would be premature while the allegations remain unproven.
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