Mchunu’s paid special leave costs taxpayers R3.16m, Parliament told

President Cyril Ramaphosa has come under fire for allowing taxpayers' money to be spent on suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's special leave. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed that Mchunu received R3.16 million in taxpayer-funded remuneration for 13 months, from July 2025 to August 2026, while on special leave.

This amount represents Mchunu's standard ministerial salary and benefits, paid out over the period he was placed on leave by Ramaphosa. Mchunu, a political ally of Ramaphosa, was suspended following corruption, fraud, and political interference allegations in policing. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, did not respond to the accusations, but previously confirmed that Mchunu's long-term fate remains unclear until the full judicial commission concludes its work.

Mchunu's actions, including his alleged involvement with criminal syndicates and the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, have raised concerns about transparency and accountability. Critics argue that the arrangement is neither transparent nor sustainable, and funds could be better used for policing initiatives. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) contends that Ramaphosa should have made a decision to remove Mchunu, as he has done so for lesser offenses in the past.