On Monday, police executed a search and seizure warrant at Senzo Mchunu's private residence in KwaZulu-Natal, seizing a cell phone. According to Sithembiso Mshengu, Mchunu's spokesperson, the gadgets were handed over to the police in the presence of Mchunu's lawyer. Mshengu stated that Mchunu, as a law-abiding citizen, cooperated with the directive of the court. This recent raid is the second time police have confiscated gadgets from Mchunu's home.
The former KwaZulu-Natal premier has been placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa following allegations that he aided and abetted the activities of underground criminal cartels. In July 2025, General Nhanhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KZN police commissioner, made explosive revelations accusing Mchunu of political interference in sensitive police operations and alleged ties to the so-called "big five" cartel. Mchunu denies these claims.
The allegations led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry investigating alleged infiltration of state intelligence, the judiciary, police, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) by police actors and criminal networks. Mchunu's name has been mentioned by several witnesses at the commission for alleged clandestine conduct, although he currently faces no charges of wrongdoing.
Bishop Lawrence Maumela, a close friend of suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, claimed that Mchunu and Sibiya are victims of ANC political succession battles. Maumela alleged that several individuals are being targeted, and if President Ramaphosa does not intervene, there will be retaliation. Sibiya appeared in court on Tuesday facing several sexual-related cases.
Maumela also claimed that Sibiya's arrest was part of a campaign to block him from becoming a national commissioner. He noted that police were at Sibiya's house with a search and seizure warrant on the same day they visited Mchunu's home. The simultaneous raids have raised concerns about the motives behind these actions.
Mchunu's spokesperson stated that the minister will address these developments and other matters surrounding his name in the coming weeks. The seized cell phone was handed over to the police in the presence of Mchunu's lawyer, demonstrating Mchunu's cooperation with the authorities. The previous confiscated gadget has not been returned to Mchunu.
The ongoing scrutiny of Mchunu's actions and alleged ties to criminal cartels continues to unfold, with the Madlanga Commission playing a crucial role in uncovering the truth. As the investigation progresses, Mchunu's future as a public official remains uncertain. The ANC's internal dynamics and succession battles have been cited as potential factors in the targeting of certain individuals.
Key points
- Police seized a cellphone at Senzo Mchunu's family home for the second time, amid allegations of ties to underground criminal cartels.
- The Madlanga Commission is investigating alleged infiltration of state institutions by police actors and criminal networks.
- Mchunu's spokesperson stated that the minister will address the developments and other matters surrounding his name in the coming weeks.
