The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has sharply criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for failing to take action against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu despite serious allegations of corruption and political interference raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Speaking outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday where businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala appeared alongside three co-accused in connection with a 2023 attempted murder case, MK Party Gauteng spokesperson Abel Tau expressed full support for Mkhwanazi and condemned what he described as selective accountability by the president.

The MK Party’s frustration stems from Ramaphosa’s swift dismissal of DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield over an unauthorised overseas trip contrasted with his silence on allegations involving Mchunu. The claims suggest Mchunu played a role in disbanding a specialised police task team investigating political killings and organised crime with Matlala allegedly at the centre of a network of corrupt activity.

Mkhwanazi’s public briefing on 6 July accused the minister of executive interference and further claimed that Matlala’s company secured a R360 million contract under questionable circumstances. The accusations have exposed alleged deep-rooted corruption within the South African Police Service raising concerns about national security ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit.

Tau called for Mchunu to be suspended or removed while investigations are conducted. He also linked Mchunu’s continued position in Cabinet to his perceived role in shielding the president during the Phala Phala scandal accusing the government of fostering a culture of political protectionism at the expense of accountability.

The MK Party has announced plans to hand over a memorandum to Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni on Monday and to stage a demonstration outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday. The party maintains that the alleged corruption is not limited to KwaZulu-Natal and is calling for broader action.

Welcoming the Public Protector’s decision to investigate the allegations, the MK Party urged swift progress stressing the importance of proactive responses from oversight institutions when matters of national security are raised.

Meanwhile President Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on Sunday 13 July at 7pm in what has been dubbed another “family meeting.” According to the Presidency the address will provide clarity on the unfolding scandal involving senior police officials and politically connected individuals. Ramaphosa has reportedly spent the past week consulting with security agencies and key stakeholders in preparation for the address.