South Africa's parliamentary ad hoc committee has concluded its investigation into allegations linking suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu to Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, a notorious underworld figure. The committee's draft report, finalized on Wednesday, found no evidence to support claims of a direct connection between Mchunu and Matlala. The investigation was prompted by allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused high-ranking SAPS officials, including Mchunu, of corruption and political interference.
The allegations centered around claims that Matlala had an indirect financial and political connection to Mchunu through Brown Mogotsi, a political fixer. Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages as evidence, suggesting that Matlala financially supported Mchunu's political activities, travel, and a Cape Town gala dinner linked to the ANC's January 8 celebration. However, Mchunu denied receiving money from Matlala, while acknowledging Mogotsi as a comrade. The ANC's Mdumiseni Ntuli stated that the evidence presented did not support the claim of a relationship between Matlala and Mchunu.
The EFF and MK Party (MKP) disagreed with the committee's findings, arguing that the interactions between Mchunu, Mogotsi, and Matlala warranted further investigation. The EFF recommended referring the matter to the public protector, the Hawks, and parliament's joint committee on ethics and members' interests. The MKP submitted that Mchunu's relationship with Mogotsi should be subjected to deeper scrutiny, citing Mogotsi's alleged level of access to the minister and involvement in policing matters.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane stated that the committee would remove Matlala from any formal association with Mchunu due to a lack of evidence. Lekganyane emphasized that the committee could not recommend investigations or question Mchunu's suitability for public office without reasonable findings. However, the committee may suggest that the national police commissioner launch an investigation if suspicions remain regarding a relationship between Matlala and the SAPS.
ANC MP Mdumiseni Ntuli echoed Lekganyane's sentiments, stating that the committee could not draw conclusions about a relationship between Matlala and Mchunu based on the evidence presented. Ntuli noted that the evidence did not link Mchunu to allegations regarding funding for the January 8 event. In contrast, the MKP and other parties, including the DA and PA, expressed concerns about Mogotsi's extraordinary access to Mchunu.
The committee has completed its draft report and will send it to implicated individuals for their right of reply. The final report is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of October. While the committee's findings have cleared Mchunu of direct links to Matlala, concerns about Mchunu's relationship with Mogotsi and potential conflicts of interest remain.
The investigation's outcome has significant implications for Mchunu's tenure as police minister and the broader efforts to address corruption and political interference within the SAPS. As the committee's report moves forward, it is likely to face scrutiny from various stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society organizations. Key points:
Key points
- The parliamentary ad hoc committee found no evidence linking Senzo Mchunu to Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala.
- The committee will remove Matlala from any formal association with Mchunu due to a lack of evidence.
- Concerns about Mchunu's relationship with Brown Mogotsi and potential conflicts of interest remain.
