South Africa’s political landscape has been rocked by explosive allegations against Police Minister Senzo Chuno, prompting a fierce response from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.

The controversy centers on claims that Chuno interfered in critical police operations and protected criminal networks, undermining efforts to combat crime and political violence in the country.

Malema has called for the immediate dismissal of the minister, urging decisive action to restore public trust in law enforcement.

 

The scandal erupted following public accusations made by Lieutenant General Lalam Kunazi, the Quazeratal police boss, who alleged that Minister Senzo Chuno meddled in police investigations.

Kunazi claimed that Chuno’s interference sabotaged key efforts to fight crime, particularly by disbanding a specialized task team focused on political killings.

 

This task team, established to investigate over 100 cases of political assassinations, was reportedly shut down in March 2025.

The disbandment led to the withdrawal of 121 active case dockets, effectively stalling numerous investigations.

The move has raised alarm among communities already grappling with the threat of political violence.

 

Speaking at the funeral of former Deputy President David Mabuza in Barban and Pumalanga, Julius Malema did not mince words.

He urged President Siro Ramosa to act swiftly and remove Senzo Chuno from his position as police minister.

Malema stated, “The president must fire Senzo now. He hasn’t even been in the position for long, but he already has a cloud hanging over him. He went into a police ministry with bad intentions.”

 

His remarks underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for leadership that prioritizes justice and public safety.

 

The task team disbanded by Minister Chuno had been one of the few serious government-led initiatives targeting political violence.

Political killings have been a persistent issue in regions like Wazul, where rival factions and criminal elements often resort to violence to assert power.

 

By halting the task team’s work, many fear that impunity for politically motivated murders will increase, further destabilizing communities and eroding confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.

 

Malema emphasized that restoring public trust in the police requires accountability at the highest levels.

He called on the National Police Commissioner to take action against any police generals found to be complicit or negligent in these failures.

“If we want our communities to believe in law enforcement again, we must begin by removing the top leadership responsible for these failures. Fire the minister first. After that, if any generals in the police force have done wrong, the National Police Commissioner must take action against them,” Malema said.

 

His statement highlights the critical role leadership plays in shaping the integrity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.

 

Malema’s remarks also touched on the fundamental purpose of the police.

He asserted that the police should be protectors of citizens, not collaborators with criminals.

 

“The job of the police is clear. They must fight crime. They should never be working alongside criminals,” he declared.

 

This point resonates deeply in a country where crime rates remain high and where allegations of corruption and collusion within the police force have frequently surfaced.

The allegations against Senzo Chuno have stirred major concerns across South Africa.

Political killings continue to plague vulnerable communities, and the disbandment of the task team dedicated to investigating these crimes has been perceived as a setback for justice.

 

The controversy also places pressure on President Siro Ramosa’s administration to respond decisively.

So far, the presidency has not issued an official statement addressing the accusations or Malema’s call for Chuno’s removal.

However, the growing public outcry suggests that more political voices may soon join the EFF in demanding accountability.

 

Political violence in South Africa has been a longstanding issue, often linked to factional battles within political parties and struggles over resources and power.

Efforts to curb this violence have included specialized police units and task teams, but these have faced challenges such as underfunding, political interference, and corruption.

The disbandment of the political killings task team represents a significant blow to ongoing efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and protect communities from violence.

 

With Julius Malema’s public demand for Senzo Chuno’s dismissal, the spotlight is now on President Ramosa’s next move.

The presidency’s response will be closely watched by citizens, political analysts, and human rights advocates alike.

 

Should the president decide to retain Chuno, it could fuel further unrest and skepticism about the government’s commitment to fighting crime and corruption.

Conversely, swift action to remove the minister could signal a renewed focus on accountability and restoring public confidence.

 

The controversy surrounding Police Minister Senzo Chuno and the disbandment of the political killings task team presents a critical moment for South Africa’s law enforcement and governance.

Julius Malema’s call for immediate action reflects widespread frustration with the current state of policing and the urgent need to address political violence.

 

As the nation watches closely, the decisions made in the coming days will have profound implications for justice, security, and the rule of law.

Restoring trust in the police requires transparency, accountability, and leadership committed to serving the people—not protecting criminals.

 

The path forward demands courage from the presidency and the police leadership to confront these challenges head-on and ensure that the victims of political violence receive the justice they deserve.

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