The state has paid R2.7m towards the legal costs of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, according to a written reply by acting police minister Firoz Cachalia in the National Assembly. This payment was made in accordance with the State Legal Representation Policy of the department of justice and constitutional development, which provides for the provision of legal representation to state employees, members of the judiciary, and members of the executive.
Mchunu was placed on a special leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 13, 2025, pending an inquiry into allegations of corruption, fraud, and political interference in policing. The department of justice and constitutional development is responsible for the payment of the legal costs associated with Mchunu's legal representation. The policy aims to provide legal representation to those who have acted or omitted to act in the course and scope of their employment or official duties.
The portfolio committee on police chairperson, Ian Cameron, expressed concern over the expenditure, stating that keeping two ministerial pay packages running for one portfolio is a reckless use of taxpayers' money. He revealed that Mchunu has received R3.2m in remuneration while on special leave, and another R3m for Cachalia. The total disclosed remuneration and legal costs amount to approximately R8.89m, with the salary figures only running up to August 2026.
Cameron further stated that the latest parliamentary reply does not disclose how much more legal funding has been approved or committed. He suggested that President Ramaphosa could relieve Mchunu of his cabinet post while he remains an MP, adding that any entitlement to legal representation is a separate issue. Cameron emphasized that Ramaphosa must end this arrangement and that police and justice must disclose the full bill and the limits on further legal spending.
Forum4SA has called on President Ramaphosa to act, questioning why taxpayers must continue to carry the financial burden of the unresolved situation. National leader Tebogo Mashilompane stated that public funds must be managed responsibly, transparently, and in the interests of the people. He reiterated that if President Ramaphosa believes Mchunu should continue serving as police minister, he must reinstate him, or take the necessary decision to remove him if the allegations have undermined public confidence.
The amount approved or committed for Mchunu's ongoing legal representation has not been confirmed, as the expenditure remains subject to administrative, legal, and financial management processes. The SAPS is not currently in possession of the figures. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the management of public funds and the accountability of those in power.
The situation has sparked debate about the use of taxpayers' money and the responsibility of those in power to manage public funds transparently. As the inquiry into Mchunu's alleged corruption and fraud continues, the government faces pressure to provide clarity on the matter and take decisive action to resolve the situation.
Key points
- The South African government has paid R2.7m towards the legal costs of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu.
- The payment was made in accordance with the State Legal Representation Policy of the department of justice and constitutional development.
- The situation has sparked debate about the use of taxpayers' money and the responsibility of those in power to manage public funds transparently.
