“It Doesn't Rain, But Pours for Mchunu: ANC Grants Suspended Minister Special Leave Amid Corruption Probe”

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu 

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

In a move that underscores the ANC’s delicate balancing act, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been granted special leave from party activities as he faces a corruption probe and allegations of political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The decision, confirmed by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, comes amid growing pressure on Mchunu to step aside while investigations continue.

Mbalula announced on Tuesday that the National Working Committee (NWC) had approved Mchunu’s request for leave, citing the need to avoid undue burden on the minister as he cooperates with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and an ad-hoc parliamentary committee. “The NWC has recommended that Comrade Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from the activities of the NEC and NWC be granted,” Mbalula said, referencing the party’s guidelines on integrity and credibility.

While Mchunu has not been formally indicted on corruption charges, the ANC’s move signals a strategic retreat to manage the fallout. Mbalula emphasized that Mchunu’s leave does not imply guilt, noting that “paragraph 3.1.1” of the party’s guidelines—which mandates stepping aside for indicted officials—does not apply, as no formal charges have been laid.

Mchunu, who serves on the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), has been at the center of allegations linking him to controversial figures, including businessman Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala, accused of exploiting political connections. His directive to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) remains a focal point of the probe.

The embattled minister has appointed Sithembiso Mshengu, a former ANCYL activist, as his personal spokesperson to handle media queries related to the investigations. As the Madlanga Commission and parliamentary hearings loom, Mchunu’s future hangs in the balance, with critics demanding accountability and the ANC navigating its own internal fault lines.

Stay tuned as The Azanian_ continues to track this developing story._