The Public Protector’s investigation into suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reached an advanced stage, according to the office’s Chief Operating Officer, Advocate Nelisiwe Nkabinde. However, officials have stressed that the inquiry remains ongoing and no final findings have been issued.
Nkabinde said investigators had made significant progress but still needed to resolve certain outstanding issues before completing their work. She explained that new information can emerge even during the final stages of an investigation, requiring further examination and verification.
The inquiry is being conducted under the Executive Members’ Ethics Act to determine whether Mchunu breached legal requirements or ethical standards applicable to members of the national executive.
President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave on 13 July 2025 after allegations involving corruption, fraud and political interference within the police service emerged. Mchunu has denied the allegations.
Some of the issues under scrutiny have also featured in the work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is examining wider concerns involving crime, corruption and alleged political influence within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Nkabinde clarified that the Public Protector’s investigation operates independently of the commission. While both processes may examine related events and individuals, their responsibilities differ. The Public Protector is assessing possible breaches of executive ethics, whereas the commission has a broader mandate concerning the criminal justice system.
Several people connected to the matter have reportedly provided information to investigators. They include KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose input has assisted the examination of evidence and the issues under review.
Previous reports also indicated that the investigation experienced delays because some witnesses were participating in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission and a parliamentary ad hoc committee.
Despite the progress reported by the Public Protector’s office, no date has been announced for the release of its final report.
Investigators must still assess the available evidence and determine whether there are grounds to conclude that any legal or ethical rules were breached. Until that process is completed, the allegations against Mchunu remain unresolved, and no final determination of wrongdoing has been made.
