South Africa’s (SA) embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has challenged KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to produce evidence backing allegations of wrongdoing, as tensions escalate over claims of links to criminal networks.
Mchunu, who has been placed on special leave, was responding to information presented by Mkhwanazi before Parliament’s ad hoc committee last week. This included a letter from an inmate alleging corrupt ties between the minister and alleged cartel figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The letter also claims there was an attempt by Mchunu’s legal team to pressure Matlala into signing an affidavit denying any connection to the minister.
In an exclusive interview with SABC News, Mchunu dismissed the claims and called for substantiated proof.
“People in SA are free to speak, we are a democracy, but there must be evidence,” he said. “If there is proof, it must be presented and verified so that everyone can see where these claims come from.”
He added that naming individuals without evidence was not sufficient, insisting he has never met National Prosecuting Authority Head Shamila Batohi in the context alleged.
Mchunu further urged that any evidence be submitted to the Madlanga Commission for proper investigation.
–ChannelAfrica–
