Taxpayers in South Africa have paid a combined total of R6,187,364.48 for the remuneration of Senzo Mchunu and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. This amount covers the period from July 2025 to August 2026. Cachalia's remuneration package cost R3,024,834.58 between August 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, while Mchunu's amounted to R3,162,529.90 between July 14, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
The remuneration details were disclosed by Cachalia in a written parliamentary reply to Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) MP Emerald Madlala. Madlala had asked Cachalia how much had been spent on the remuneration of both ministers since Mchunu was placed on special leave. Cachalia explained that ministerial remuneration is determined under section 4(1) of the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998, with adjustments published in the Government Gazette.
President Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave of absence on July 13, 2025. He was appointed Acting Minister of Police with effect from August 1, 2025. The two payment periods therefore do not begin on the same date. Mchunu's remuneration was calculated from July 14, 2025, the day after his special leave began, while Cachalia's calculation starts from August 1, when he took over as acting minister.
Mchunu was placed on special leave after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made allegations concerning political interference in the police and the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team. The allegations resulted in the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has been examining allegations of political interference and criminality within the police.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has continued to hear evidence concerning senior police officials and alleged criminal networks. The commission's work has continued more than a year after Mchunu was placed on special leave, while Cachalia has remained in the acting ministerial role. Mchunu has appeared before the commission to respond to allegations and defend his actions, including the decision to disband the task team.
In a recent development, police served Mchunu with a Johannesburg High Court search-and-seizure warrant at his family home in KwaZulu-Natal. The warrant authorised the seizure of cellular phones linked to specific IMEI numbers. Mchunu's spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, said Mchunu handed over the handset in the presence of his attorney and in compliance with the court order.
The latest seizure was the second time police had taken communication devices from Mchunu. Mshengu said the first set had not been returned. Mchungu will address these developments and many other matters that evolve around his name in the coming weeks.
Key points
- Taxpayers paid R6,187,364.48 for Mchunu and Cachalia's remuneration between July 2025 and August 2026.
- Mchunu was placed on special leave after allegations of political interference in the police and disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team.
- The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has continued to hear evidence concerning senior police officials and alleged criminal networks.
