PRETORIA – President Cyril Ramaphosa will address South Africans at 7pm this Sunday, 13 July, following explosive allegations of corruption and criminal collusion involving high-ranking police officials.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, stunned the country last weekend with claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had ties to underworld figures and interfered in critical investigations. Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of using his influence to dismantle the political killings task team after it uncovered links between police officers, drug lords and the judiciary.
The commissioner named two controversial figures – Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi – alleging they were close to Mchunu. Matlala, recently arrested for attempted murder, reportedly secured a R360 million police health services tender that was later cancelled. Mogotsi is currently out on bail for a murder charge.
Both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and former president Jacob Zuma’s MK party have since opened criminal cases against Mchunu. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has instructed key parliamentary committees to urgently investigate the allegations.
President Ramaphosa was in Brazil attending a Brics summit when Mkhwanazi made the revelations. According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa was briefed while abroad and has been engaging in consultations since his return. He will now deliver a national statement via broadcast and streaming platforms.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, responding to media questions after the memorial service of former deputy president David Mabuza on Thursday, said Ramaphosa had begun meeting with affected parties and would address the country once ready.
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