President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected claims of unequal treatment after suspending Police Minister Senzo Mchunu but not taking similar action against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who was also facing corruption allegations.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said he treats every case on its own merits.
DA KwaZulu-Natal NCOP member Nzamo Billy asked Ramaphosa whether his decision not to act against Simelane showed that he was protecting allies and punishing opponents.
However, Ramaphosa dismissed that suggestion.
“No, I do not have double standards,” he said.
“As the person who appoints people to the national executive for a country, I do evaluate various matters rather carefully. And in that process of evaluation, then I will make a call.”
“And in the various cases that we’ve referred to, that is the process that we have followed. I ask for reports, I evaluate the reports, and then I make a call. Without any fear, which I think you allude to, any favour, which you allude to, and any prejudice. That’s precisely how it works,” Ramaphosa added.
Mchunu was placed on special leave after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused him of interfering in high-profile criminal investigations to protect people linked to crime syndicates and senior police officials.
During a media briefing in July, Mkhwanazi claimed that Mchunu had ordered the disbandment of the political task team investigating political killings and organised crime in the province.
He alleged that Mchunu issued a directive in December 2024 to shut down the team, allegedly under pressure from his associates, including controversial businessman Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala – who has been arrested for attempted murder – and Brown Mogotsi.
According to Mkhwanazi, Matlala was awarded a R360 million police contract in 2024 and had helped fund Mchunu’s political activities along with Mogotsi.
He also claimed that senior police officials linked to drug cartels were stalling investigations into the murders of several well-known entertainment figures.
In response, Ramaphosa set up the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations.
He also appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.
Political experts previously said that Ramaphosa opted to suspend, rather than fire, Mchunu because of his influence in securing ANC support in KZN.
Ramaphosa is also the president of the ANC, which leads the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Meanwhile, Simelane was under scrutiny earlier this year over a R575,600 loan she took from the now-collapsed VBS Mutual Bank to buy a coffee shop in Sandton while she was the mayor of Polokwane.
Simelane denied any wrongdoing when she appeared before the Justice Portfolio Committee in Parliament last year.
Ramaphosa later removed her as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and moved her to Human Settlements.
Mmamoloko Kubayi, who previously held that portfolio, replaced her at Justice.
Simelane has also been accused of links to inflated billing involving an Eskom contractor, allegations she has denied.
Politics
