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Pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to dismiss Mchunu

todayAugust 6, 2026 94

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Calls are mounting for suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, to be dismissed as fresh testimony before the Madlanga Commission placed renewed pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to act.

Political parties and civil society groups have accused the President of delaying decisive action despite allegations that Mchunu interfered in investigations involving several senior Crime Intelligence officials.

The Activists and Citizens Forum on Thursday called for Mchunu’s immediate dismissal, with spokesperson, Dennis Bloem, arguing that the latest testimony has severely damaged the minister’s credibility.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa must tell the country what dirt Minister Senzo Mchunu has on him. There must be something very big. Why is Minister Senzo Mchunu untouchable?” said Bloem.

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    Pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to dismiss Mchunu Realeboga Nke

The calls follow testimony from Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) State Advocate, Drushanta Ramsamy, who alleged that Mchunu held several meetings with former IDAC head, Andrea Johnson, while the directorate was investigating Crime Intelligence.

Ramsamy told the commission on Wednesday that Johnson repeatedly referred to a meeting with Mchunu and allegedly said the minister wanted to “clean up SAPS”, particularly Crime Intelligence.

The civil society movement said allegations emerging from the commission could not be treated lightly and urged Ramaphosa to put the country’s interests ahead of political considerations.

Meanwhile, the Congress of the People (COPE) also called for Mchunu’s dismissal, saying the President’s credibility was now at stake.

COPE acting national chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi, said the testimony reinforced the party’s long-standing concerns about Mchunu’s conduct, including the earlier disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.

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    Pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to dismiss Mchunu Realeboga Nke

“COPE further questions why South Africans should continue paying for two Police Ministers while one remains on suspension amid allegations of such gravity.”

The commission has heard that Mchunu allegedly discussed Crime Intelligence investigations with Johnson and that his involvement may have extended beyond receiving routine updates.

President Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave of absence in July 2025 following allegations of political inteference and corruption linked to criminal syndicates. The allegations stems from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s, explosive briefing that same month.

Written by: Realeboga Nke

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