Byline: Thendo Funyufunyu
Wednesday, 09 July 2025
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has publicly denied any involvement in alleged misconduct following claims raised by Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi concerning the Minister’s supposed ties to individuals linked to a controversial SAPS tender.
In a statement released on Wednesday,09 July 2025, Minister Mchunu strongly refuted any suggestion of impropriety, responding to mounting speculation about his alleged associations with businessman Mr. Matlala and political figure Mr. Brown Mogotsi.
“The Minister has never met Mr. Matlala, has never spoken to him, nor has the Minister ever requested or received anything from him,” the statement reads. Matlala had been awarded a SAPS tender that has since come under scrutiny for alleged irregularities.
Mchunu clarified that, far from being involved in the awarding of the tender, he was the one who ordered a formal review after “suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced.” The review ultimately led to the termination of the contract.
The statement also addressed questions surrounding Mchunu’s relationship with Mr. Brown Mogotsi, a known political figure. “Whilst the Minister knows and has met Mr. Brown Mogotsi, he is just a comrade and not an associate of the Minister,” it stated. “The Minister has never requested or received anything from him.”
The comments follow last week’s pointed remarks by Commissioner Mkhwanazi, who alluded to potential political interference in SAPS contracts. Though no names were mentioned, the timing and tone of the comments sparked widespread media speculation, prompting Minister Mchunu to issue a formal clarification.
