Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is battling R15.5 billion in civil claims — a bombshell disclosure that has intensified calls for his full suspension amid allegations he’s manipulating systems while officially on leave.
The staggering liability, detailed in a parliamentary reply, includes claims for wrongful arrests, unlawful detentions, and police brutality. The revelation has sparked outrage over SAPS’s accountability failures and deepened scrutiny of Mchunu’s controversial leave status, granted by President Cyril Ramaphosa pending a judicial inquiry into police misconduct.
Interference Allegations Mount
Despite being on leave, Mchunu’s continued involvement in SAPS operations — including this high-stakes disclosure — has drawn sharp criticism. “If he’s on leave, why is he shaping parliamentary responses?” questioned an ANC MP, joining opposition demands for his suspension. Internal sources claim SAPS officials were pressured to alter sensitive investigations, raising legal and ethical red flags.
Political and Public Backlash
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and EFF are pushing for Constitutional Court intervention, arguing Mchunu’s actions undermine the inquiry’s credibility. On social media, hashtags like #SAPSClaims and #SuspendMchunuNow trended as citizens condemned the crisis. “This isn’t just about money — it’s about systemic failure,” tweeted one user.
What’s Next?
With a Constitutional Court challenge imminent and public trust eroding, the SAPS scandal threatens to escalate into a full-blown governance crisis. All eyes are on whether Ramaphosa’s administration will take tougher action against Mchunu as the R15.5 billion liability exposes deep fractures in South Africa’s justice system.