WATCH: President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on police corruption allegations and political accountability

President Cyril Ramaphosa is on Sunday, expected to address the nation on allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police leadership are linked to a criminal syndicate with ties to drug cartels.

The televised address, scheduled for 7.30pm, will provide clarity on explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing held on July 6.

This also included politically connected figures.

The meeting follows a bombshell press conference by  Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of executive overreach, specifically blaming him for orchestrating the task team’s shutdown.

The Commissioner’s remarks reportedly implicate high-ranking officials within both the South African Police Service and the political sphere.

Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of disbanding the Political Killings Task Team in March, effectively withdrawing 121 active dockets, many linked to politically motivated killings. 

He presented WhatsApp messages, South African Police Service (SAPS) documents, and cellphone records, alleging a coordinated effort to dismantle the unit.

Over the past week, the President has held consultations with key stakeholders and security officials.

According to a statement from the Presidency, Ramaphosa will now “take the nation into his confidence” following these engagements.

IOL