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South Africans following the political killings inquiry now face new claims of interference by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
What is happening?
On 25 January 2026, the Madlanga Commission heard new testimony from two key witnesses implicating Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in alleged political interference relating to the 2017 assassination of ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa.
The claims were summarised by analyst Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on the SMWX platform following the day’s closed and public sessions at the inquiry.
Why it matters to you
This matters for two key reasons:
- The Madlanga Commission was set up to investigate political interference and the shutdown of task teams probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Testimony at the commission could affect future prosecutions, police leadership accountability, and confidence in crime intelligence.
If proven true, the allegations could point to abuse of state power to influence investigations involving political figures and rival parties.
Key allegations raised at the commission
The two central witnesses were:
- Witness E – A crime intelligence officer testifying in camera
- Anthony Gopal – Acting deputy provincial commissioner
The key allegations made:
- Witness E says Minister Mchunu called him directly in December 2024 and pressured him to provide information linking General Dumisani Khumalo to the 2017 murder of Sindiso Magaqa.
- Witness E claims he resisted, saying Khumalo was not in KwaZulu-Natal at the time.
- The same witness says he was later asked to prepare a statement favourable to Mchunu — and that some of his information was leaked to the media.
- Anthony Gopal testified that Mchunu bypassed police channels and contacted him directly in two other political cases:
- One involving the killing of an ANC councillor
- Another involving a defector to the MK Party, whose son was facing charges
- Gopal said the minister’s approach was inappropriate and politically motivated.
What you should know
Here is a summary of what was claimed:
| Claim / Event | Summary |
|---|---|
| Mchunu called a restricted crime intel operative | Witness E says Mchunu introduced himself directly and asked if crime intel boss Khumalo was linked to Magaqa’s murder |
| Witness pressured to testify favourably | The operative alleges attempts were made to influence his testimony before the Madlanga Commission |
| Information leaked to Sunday World | Witness E claims his evidence about guns linked to the murder appeared in the media without his permission |
| Mchunu bypassed police hierarchy | Gopal testified that Mchunu contacted him directly — not his superiors — about two politically sensitive cases |
| Attempt to taint MK Party defector | Gopal claims Mchunu questioned him about charges against the son of an ex-ANC member, suggesting political motives |
All claims remain untested. Mchunu is expected to be given the opportunity to respond.
What you should do next
- Watch for formal responses from the Minister of Police, SAPS, and the Presidency
- Follow Madlanga Commission proceedings, which may reveal further details or evidence
- Avoid misinformation — only rely on summarised, verified testimony from trusted public platforms like the Commission, SMWX, or official media
- If you’re affected by political violence or threats, report to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) at www.ipid.gov.za
Where to follow the story
- Madlanga Commission (official info not yet public)
- SMWX YouTube channel: SMWX – Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh
- Official updates: www.gov.za
- IPID complaints: www.ipid.gov.za
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