'I am no longer safe' says Senzo Mchunu's Chief of Staff

Cedrick Nkabinde, the chief of staff to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has broken his silence following the police raid on his Johannesburg home this week. Speaking publicly for the first time since the operation, Nkabinde said he is fully prepared to cooperate with any investigation and is willing to testify in order to clear his name.

His remarks come in the wake of explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who appeared before the parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating political interference and corruption within law enforcement. During his testimony, Mkhwanazi claimed that Nkabinde was ill equipped for his role and had little understanding of the responsibilities that come with such a senior position.

In response, Nkabinde firmly rejected that assessment, calling it unfounded and damaging.

"I was appointed based on merit and integrity. I have nothing to hide," he said. "If I am called to testify or take part in any legal process, I will do so without hesitation. I have served my country with honesty."

Nkabinde confirmed that law enforcement officers raided his home without prior warning, seizing several electronic devices and briefly detaining his younger brother. He claims the operation was heavy handed and politically motivated.

"There is an obvious attempt to intimidate and discredit me," he said. "It is clear there is desperation to link me and the minister to wrongdoing, even if it means twisting the truth."

Despite expressing his willingness to comply with investigators, Nkabinde made it clear that any future engagement with law enforcement will happen on his terms and through legal channels.

"Should the police wish to reach out to me during the course of their investigation, whether it involves search and seizure or questioning, it must be done through my legal representatives," he said. "I no longer feel safe, and I do not trust them to act in good faith."

His comments follow a turbulent day in Gauteng, where a series of raids targeted high profile individuals, including suspended Gauteng Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela, who is the nephew of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The operations have triggered widespread political and public debate, especially given that both Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile are currently out of the country.

Sibiya, whose Centurion home was searched, told reporters he felt "under siege" and vowed not to resign. Meanwhile, Maumela’s luxury property in Sandhurst was raided by the Special Investigating Unit, which seized assets valued at over one hundred million rand as part of the ongoing Tembisa Hospital corruption probe.

Nkabinde’s name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with the allegations that have engulfed the Office of the Police Minister. While no formal charges have been laid against him or Minister Mchunu, the mounting scrutiny has intensified pressure on the administration to act decisively.

Mchunu, who was placed on special leave earlier this year, has yet to respond to the latest developments. However, political analysts suggest the fallout could reshape internal dynamics within the ruling party, especially as the 2026 national elections approach.

Nkabinde insists he is being used as a scapegoat and remains confident that the truth will eventually come to light.

"I will not be silenced or intimidated. I am committed to seeing this through in the proper legal forum. My conscience is clear," he said.