The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has agreed to step aside from some of his party responsibilities while cooperating with ongoing investigations by the Madlanga Commission and the ANC’s Integrity Commission.
According to the governing party, Mchunu will remain an active member of the ANC but will temporarily step back from certain leadership and organisational duties to allow for an impartial process to unfold. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny following allegations that he interfered in sensitive criminal investigations in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
In a statement released this week, the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) confirmed that Mchunu had voluntarily agreed to cooperate fully with both the Madlanga Commission—the independent body investigating allegations of political interference—and the party’s internal Integrity Commission.
“Comrade Senzo Mchunu has agreed to step aside from some organisational roles while he cooperates with both the Madlanga Commission and the party’s Integrity Commission,” the ANC said.
The statement emphasized that the decision to step aside was made in line with the party’s broader renewal agenda, which seeks to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability within its ranks. The ANC added that it would revisit Mchunu’s situation if new developments emerged from the investigations.
Allegations Against Mchunu and the Ongoing Probe
The controversy surrounding Mchunu began after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused him of interfering in high-profile criminal cases. The allegations suggested that the Minister may have sought to influence investigations involving political figures in the province.
As a result, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave pending the outcome of the investigations. During this period, Mchunu has been instructed not to participate in any executive duties within the Ministry of Police.
Earlier this week, Mchunu handed over his digital devices—including his cellphone and laptop—to the political killings task team, which is probing possible links between political interference and violent crimes in KwaZulu-Natal.
His spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, confirmed that a search-and-seizure warrant was executed on Thursday as part of the investigation. Mshengu maintained that Mchunu is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities and remains confident that his name will be cleared once the process is complete.
“Minister Mchunu has nothing to hide. He is cooperating fully with investigators to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe the truth will come out,” Mshengu said.
Despite the suspension from his Cabinet duties, the ANC clarified that Mchunu would continue to participate in general party activities that do not conflict with the ongoing probes. The NEC’s statement reiterated that the step-aside rule is designed to protect the integrity of both the individual and the organisation during investigations.
“The ANC remains committed to ensuring that all members adhere to the principles of ethical leadership and accountability,” the statement read. “Comrades who are facing allegations or criminal charges are expected to step aside until their cases are resolved.”
This decision reflects the ANC’s broader commitment to enforcing its step-aside policy, which was introduced to combat corruption and restore public confidence in the party following years of internal scandals.
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is currently investigating allegations of political interference in criminal investigations and state institutions. The commission has been tasked with uncovering whether political leaders used their influence to obstruct justice or manipulate law enforcement outcomes.
As part of its work, the commission is reviewing several high-profile cases in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that has long been plagued by politically motivated killings. The findings of the commission are expected to shape future policies on political accountability and law enforcement independence.
In addition to the Madlanga inquiry, Mchunu will also face scrutiny from the ANC’s Integrity Commission, which will assess whether his actions—if proven—violated the party’s ethical standards. The Integrity Commission, established to uphold moral leadership within the ANC, has the authority to recommend disciplinary measures or further action to the NEC.
Political analysts say the dual investigations signify a turning point in the ANC’s internal accountability mechanisms. For years, the party has faced criticism for shielding senior officials from disciplinary consequences. Mchunu’s case could therefore become a test of the ANC’s resolve to enforce its step-aside rule consistently.
For now, Mchunu remains on special leave from his ministerial post, pending the outcome of the investigations. While he continues to serve as a loyal member of the ANC, the allegations have placed him under intense public and political scrutiny.
The ANC NEC has stated that it will monitor the situation closely and issue further updates as developments arise. The party reaffirmed that its focus remains on renewal, unity, and integrity, key themes driving its preparation for the 2026 general elections.
As the investigations continue, Mchunu’s case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between accountability and political survival within South Africa’s ruling party. Whether cleared or implicated, the outcome will have significant implications for both Mchunu’s political career and the ANC’s credibility moving forward.
Source- EWN
