The South African Police Service (SAPS) executed a High Court search-and-seizure warrant at the private family home of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in KwaZulu‑Natal, seizing mobile devices identified by specific International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, SAPS and the minister’s spokesperson confirmed.
Where and why the search took place
Police said officers from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit carried out the operation on a warrant granted by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg. The seizure relates to an ongoing investigation into alleged offences that include defeating the ends of justice and fraud, according to SAPS. Those cases were opened in 2025 at Durban Central police station.
Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda described the search and seizure as “a normal investigative process in which police convince the court to grant them the warrant to search and seize particular items as mentioned in the application for the warrant.”
How events unfolded at the residence
According to a statement from the minister’s office, the minister handed over the specified handset in the presence of his attorney and in compliance with the court order. This is the second time SAPS has removed communication devices from Mchunu; the statement said the first set has not yet been returned.
“As a law‑abiding citizen and in the presence of his attorney, Minister Mchunu handed over the handset in line with the directive of the court,”
The authorities confirmed that the seized items were identified by specific IMEI numbers listed in the warrant. Further details about the number or types of devices taken were not provided in the statements released to media.
- Investigating unit: Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit (KZN)
- Judicial authorisation: Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg
- Allegations under investigation: defeating the ends of justice and fraud (cases opened 2025)
- Police docket location: Durban Central police station
Context and implications
The decision to execute a court warrant at the residence of a serving Cabinet minister, even a suspended one, underscores the independence of the criminal investigation process when judicial authorisation is obtained. The presence of the minister’s attorney during the handover of devices is consistent with procedural safeguards when seizures involve high‑profile individuals.
Police did not provide a timeframe for forensic examination of the seized devices nor comment on whether additional warrants will be sought. The minister’s office said Mr Mchunu will address the developments and other matters concerning his name in the coming weeks.
Because the matter remains the subject of an active police investigation, no criminal findings have been made public and no charges arising from the latest seizure have been announced. SAPS statements describe the steps taken as part of the evidentiary-gathering phase of a case that was initiated in 2025.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Cases opened at Durban Central police station (defeating the ends of justice, fraud among allegations) |
| 21 September 2026 | SAPS executed Gauteng High Court search-and-seizure warrant at Mchunu’s home; mobile devices seized |
Journalistic and legal observers will watch for whether prosecutors seek charges following forensic analysis and whether any previously seized devices, which the minister’s office says remain in police possession, are returned. The integrity of the investigative process and adherence to court orders will be central to any subsequent legal proceedings.
