South African parliamentary committee finds no evidence of corruption involving Minister Mchunu

A South African parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating the South African Police Service has stated that current evidence does not establish corrupt relationships involving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Members noted a lack of direct communication linking Mchunu to Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala regarding alleged payments intended for the minister’s political ambitions.

Despite the lack of direct evidence, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns regarding institutional risks. The DA argued that while no criminal offense was proven, the potential influence of intermediaries like Brown Mogotsi in facilitating access to the minister remains a matter of concern. This position was opposed by members of the African National Congress (ANC), who maintained that no testimony or evidence has established a direct connection between Mchunu and Matlala.

The committee has requested an extension from the National Assembly Speaker to finalize its draft report. The committee clarified that its deliberations are not a criminal court and do not determine criminal liability. Matlala faces separate criminal proceedings, and the allegations against him are still being tested in court.