Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged a fraud complaint against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, accusing him of misleading Parliament about his relationship with a businessman reportedly linked to criminal syndicates.
On Thursday (10 July 2025), DA representatives opened a case at the Cape Town Central Police Station and confirmed they would also submit a formal complaint to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.
The move follows what the DA describes as contradictory statements by Mchunu regarding his association with Brown Mogotsi. Mogotsi has been linked in media reports to organised crime networks and alleged political interference in the police service.
In March, while under oath before the Police Portfolio Committee, Mchunu denied knowing Mogotsi. However, in a public statement on 9 July, the Minister acknowledged he does know Mogotsi, referring to him as “a comrade.”
The DA claims this reversal raises concerns about whether Mchunu deliberately misled Parliament, which would constitute a criminal offence under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.
According to the opposition party, Mchunu’s conduct may amount to fraud and a breach of parliamentary ethics codes that require honesty and transparency from Members of Parliament.
“The country cannot afford a police service tainted by political interference or led by individuals who evade accountability,” the DA said in a statement.
The party also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for failing to respond to the allegations. It said the President has remained silent since KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Police Commissioner made revelations about the matter, and has not taken action against Mchunu or two other ministers - Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane - who have also faced recent ethical controversies.
The DA said it would continue to pursue accountability in the matter.
On Thursday (10 July 2025), DA representatives opened a case at the Cape Town Central Police Station and confirmed they would also submit a formal complaint to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.
The move follows what the DA describes as contradictory statements by Mchunu regarding his association with Brown Mogotsi. Mogotsi has been linked in media reports to organised crime networks and alleged political interference in the police service.
In March, while under oath before the Police Portfolio Committee, Mchunu denied knowing Mogotsi. However, in a public statement on 9 July, the Minister acknowledged he does know Mogotsi, referring to him as “a comrade.”
The DA claims this reversal raises concerns about whether Mchunu deliberately misled Parliament, which would constitute a criminal offence under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.
According to the opposition party, Mchunu’s conduct may amount to fraud and a breach of parliamentary ethics codes that require honesty and transparency from Members of Parliament.
“The country cannot afford a police service tainted by political interference or led by individuals who evade accountability,” the DA said in a statement.
The party also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for failing to respond to the allegations. It said the President has remained silent since KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Police Commissioner made revelations about the matter, and has not taken action against Mchunu or two other ministers - Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane - who have also faced recent ethical controversies.
The DA said it would continue to pursue accountability in the matter.
