Durban — KwaZulu‑Natal police confirmed they executed a search and seizure operation at the home of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, removing cellular phones as investigators pursue inquiries into allegations of defeating the ends of justice and fraud.
Warrant issued by Johannesburg High Court
Police said members of the provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit carried out the operation after securing a search warrant from the Johannesburg High Court. The warrant authorised officers to look for and confiscate specific communication devices linked to an ongoing probe.
Mchunu’s spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, confirmed the seizure and said the minister handed over “cellular phones with specific IMEI numbers as mentioned in the document” in the presence of his lawyer. The spokesperson added the devices taken on this occasion matched numbers listed in the court papers and noted this was a second seizure; the first set of devices had not been returned.
"It must be noted that this is the second time the police have seized these communication tools without having returned the first set. Minister Mchunu will address these developments and many other matters that evolve around his name in the coming week," said Sthembiso Mshengu.
Investigations dating to 2025
KwaZulu‑Natal police said the operation formed part of a routine investigative process in a matter that began in 2025. The cases, opened at Durban Central police station, include allegations of defeating the ends of justice and fraud, among other charges.
The probe follows explosive allegations made in mid‑2025 by KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that senior officials interfered in policing operations. Those allegations prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Mchunu on special leave in July 2025.
Political context and past inquiries
Mkhwanazi accused senior officials of acts including the unilateral disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), a unit set up to investigate politically motivated murders and organised crime. The matter has been examined both by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s ad hoc committee.
Mchunu has also been publicly linked in media reporting to businessmen named in past allegations, including Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and Brown Mogotsi. Those links have featured in hearings and media accounts but remain part of ongoing scrutiny rather than concluded findings.
What police said and what remains outstanding
In their statement, KwaZulu‑Natal police described the search and seizure operation as part of an ordinary investigative step in which court authority is sought to obtain items deemed relevant to case lines. Police did not name the individual whose home was searched in their public release.
The office of the minister confirmed the seizure but also emphasised co‑operation with investigators, noting the minister surrendered the devices voluntarily and with legal counsel present. It further said Mchunu would respond publicly to these developments in the coming days.
- Who executed the search: KwaZulu‑Natal Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, under a Johannesburg High Court warrant.
- Items seized: Mobile phones identified by IMEI numbers.
- Underlying cases: Allegations of defeating the ends of justice and fraud, opened in 2025 at Durban Central police station.
Local impact and next steps
For Durban and the broader KZN community, the development underscores ongoing national‑level scrutiny into police oversight and the management of politically sensitive investigations. The minister remains on special leave while these inquiries proceed.
Legal processes remain active: the seizure was effected under court authority and the evidence recovered will form part of the investigators’ case files. Any further court applications, charges or public hearings would be announced by the relevant authorities.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | President places Senzo Mchunu on special leave following allegations by the KZN police commissioner. |
| 2025 | Cases opened at Durban Central police station, including defeating the ends of justice and fraud. |
| 22 September 2026 | Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit executes Johannesburg High Court warrant; mobile phones seized from Mchunu’s home. |
Further announcements are expected from the minister’s office and from police as the investigation continues. Members of the public seeking information on court proceedings or the status of the probe are advised to consult official statements from the SAPS or the National Prosecuting Authority when they are released.
(Reporting from Durban.)
