Police Minister Senzo Mchunu testified before Parliament's ad hoc committee on 22 October 2025 about concerns over a paramilitary structure being strengthened in KwaZulu-Natal. He described it as a potential threat exploiting weaknesses in police structures. The testimony forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged infiltration by a drug trafficking cartel.
On 22 October 2025, during his fourth day of testimony before Parliament's ad hoc committee, sidelined Police Minister Senzo Mchunu raised alarms about a paramilitary structure allegedly being created and strengthened in KwaZulu-Natal. Mchunu, currently on special leave, stated he had picked up information on these intentions but declined to provide details, saying, “I had picked up information that there were such intentions in KwaZulu-Natal. I won’t be able to talk in detail.” He intended to discuss the matter with National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola as part of directives issued on 31 December 2024, which included freezing vacancies in the Crime Intelligence unit and disbanding the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in the province.
ANC MP Mdumiseni Ntuli questioned Mchunu on the recruitment of intelligence to bolster such a structure, referencing Mchunu's affidavit. Mchunu clarified it was not necessarily tied to the PKTT, adding, “Somehow these would also rely on some of our structures… in other words, they would exploit any weaknesses and take any possibilities as these paramilitary structures yet established on the side.” Ntuli emphasized the urgency, noting KwaZulu-Natal's history of political violence, to which Mchunu agreed, calling it a “particular threat.”
The committee is probing accusations from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's July 2025 press conference, alleging cartel infiltration into law enforcement, politics, and businesses, including influences behind the PKTT's disbandment. Mchunu denied any wrongdoing, maintaining the decision stemmed from budget constraints. Asked if he would repeat it knowing what he does now, he replied, “I would’ve taken the same decision, but the form would have been different.” He also rejected links to alleged cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala or drug syndicates, stating, “There is no drug cartel that I’m linked to.”
Questions arose over Mchunu's chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde's security clearance, with Mchunu admitting uncertainty. He described the scandal as a mix of police disunity, personal battles, and opportunities for correction, acknowledging, “No one is perfect, and me too, I am not perfect.” Mchunu recommended an independent audit of the PKTT by the Auditor General and establishing a single anti-corruption agency. He advocated overhauling aspects of the South African Police Service to rebuild public trust, including improving station standards and addressing murders, though it would require resources and time.
Mchunu concluded his testimony, denying interference in police work. Former minister Bheki Cele is scheduled to testify next.