NATIONAL NEWS - After MK Party MP, David Skosana, yesterday laid criminal charges relating to fraud and perjury against national Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, the DA this morning followed suit, laying a charge of fraud against Mchunu at the Cape Town Central Police Station.
The DA said it is taking urgent action to hold Mchunu accountable for allegedly lying to Parliament.
The party will also submit a formal complaint to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.
These charges come in the wake of shocking allegations that Mchunu has links with criminal gangs.
South Africa was rocked at a media briefing on Sunday morning when KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu has ties to Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala, a high flying tenderpreneur who is in custody following his arrest for attempted murder in May.
Matlala has also been linked to the Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal that saw whistleblower Babita Deokaran shot dead in front of her house in 2021.
At the briefing Mkhwanazi stated that Matlala was "at the center of a sophisticated criminal syndicate operating at the highest levels of the state".
Mkhwanazi told journalists he is willing to die in order to protect the integrity of his badge.
In a statement released by MP Baxolile 'Bax' Nodada, the DA Deputy Chief Whip, Nodada says the DA's fraud charge follows Mchunu’s contradictory statements about his relationship with businessman Brown Mogotsi - an individual reportedly linked to serious criminal syndicates and political interference in the police service.
"In March this year, while under oath before the Police Portfolio Committee, Minister Mchunu denied knowing Mogotsi.
"Yet, in a public statement on 9 July, the Minister admitted that he does in fact know Mogotsi, describing him as 'a comrade'.
The DA contends that Mchunu has:
- Committed fraud by knowingly making a false statement with the intent to mislead Parliament;
- Violated the Powers and Privileges Act, which criminalises any attempt to mislead or obstruct Parliament or its committees;
- Breached the Parliamentary Code of Conduct, which demands honesty, integrity, and transparency from all Members of Parliament.
Nodada says it is simply unacceptable for a sitting Minister to evade accountability while surrounded by allegations of corruption, links to criminal syndicates, and efforts to shield politically connected individuals from scrutiny.
"President Cyril Ramaphosa’s silence in the face of this growing scandal is indefensible. Four days after the explosive revelations by KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Police Commissioner, the President has neither acted against Minister Mchunu nor initiated any credible investigation.
"Similarly, Ramaphosa remains silent on the growing ethical cloud over two other members of his Cabinet - Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, and Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane - both of whom have been implicated in serious allegations.
"This continued inaction raises alarming questions about the President’s willingness to confront corruption and protect the credibility of his government."
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