Public Protector Says Mchunu Probe Is Not A Parallel Madlanga Commission
The Public Protector says its investigation into suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is at an advanced stage and is being conducted separately from the Madlanga Commission.
The Public Protector’s office has rejected suggestions that it is running a parallel investigation to the Madlanga Commission while probing allegations against suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The office is investigating allegations of executive misconduct and political interference involving Mchunu, with Chief Operating Officer Nelisiwe Nkabinde saying the probe has reached a very advanced stage.
The investigation stems from a complaint lodged by the African Transformation Movement (ATM) following KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 public allegations concerning Mchunu.
Public Protector Following Up On New Information
Nkabinde said investigators have continued gathering information as new material emerges.
“The nature of these investigations is, as you think you are now closing, then there is more information that becomes available.”
She said the office was following up on additional information as it moved towards concluding the investigation.
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The investigation is being conducted under the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, which gives the Public Protector a specific mandate to investigate alleged breaches of executive ethics.
“The matter was brought to the Public Protector in terms of the Executive Members' Ethics Act.”
Investigation Separate From Madlanga Commission
Nkabinde said the Public Protector’s investigation should not be viewed as an attempt to duplicate the work of the Madlanga Commission.
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She said the office was investigating the matter within its own statutory mandate, while the commission has a separate inquiry into allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Nkabinde also confirmed that the office had received full cooperation from those involved in its investigation, including Mkhwanazi.
The Public Protector has not yet indicated when its final findings on the Mchunu investigation will be released.
