The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is deeply alarmed by the explosive public allegations made earlier today, 6 July 2025, by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In a televised press briefing of national importance, General Mkhwanazi accused the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, of directly interfering with investigations into political assassinations and organised crime by disbanding the elite Political Killings Task Team, withdrawing over 121 active dockets, and shielding a criminal syndicate deeply embedded in the state.
These are not routine accusations. They strike at the heart of the rule of law and national security.
According to General Mkhwanazi:
- The task team had uncovered a criminal syndicate involving politicians, police officers, prosecutors and correctional officials.
- This syndicate was linked to a Gauteng-based drug cartel and is believed to be connected to high-profile political assassinations.
- The Minister allegedly ordered the disbandment of the unit in March 2025 and facilitated the transfer of all case dockets to national headquarters, effectively stalling prosecutions.
- Forensic cellphone and WhatsApp data allegedly shows communications between the Minister’s associates and criminal suspects, confirming advance notice of police operations and payments for political protection.
These revelations are extraordinary. If they are true, they would confirm that parts of the state have been captured not only by corrupt individuals, but by a functioning criminal network. If they are false, then we are facing a dangerous crisis of confidence within the upper ranks of SAPS that threatens the entire criminal justice system.
In light of these grave allegations, SAFTU calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately address the nation and take the country into his confidence. The President cannot afford to remain silent or rely on internal departmental denials. The trust of the nation is at stake.
SAFTU demands the following urgent steps:
- The establishment of a full judicial commission of inquiry, with broad powers to subpoena witnesses, access classified intelligence, and protect whistle-blowers and investigators.
- The terms of reference must include not only the immediate allegations raised by General Mkhwanazi, but also:
- The alleged infiltration of the police, justice, and corrections systems by criminal syndicates.
- The sabotage of political killings investigations.
- The broader failure to implement the recommendations of previous commissions, including the High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency chaired by Dr Sydney Mufamadi, which highlighted the politicisation and abuse of intelligence.
- Should the allegations be proven true, the President must:
- Fire the Minister of Police with immediate effect.
- Launch criminal prosecutions of all state officials implicated.
- Undertake a full overhaul of SAPS Crime Intelligence, Justice and Correctional Services to remove criminal networks and re-establish institutional integrity.
South Africans are tired of impunity. We are tired of commissions that gather dust while syndicates flourish. We are tired of whistle-blowers being hung out to dry while criminals walk free. If the President fails to act decisively, he will confirm public fears that those in power are either complicit or too compromised to act.
SAFTU will not sit idle while the country is turned into a gangster state. If no action is taken within 7 days, we will consult our structures and civil society allies to convene a national mass action campaign in defence of the rule of law and the protection of democratic institutions.
For SAFTU, this is a line in the sand.
A Statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
For more details, contact the National Spokesperson at:
Newton Masuku
066 168 2157
Newtonm@saftu.org.za
