Cameron urges Ramaphosa to fire Mchunu as state costs near R6 million
The call follows acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s disclosure to Parliament that the Justice Department has paid R2.7 million towards Mchunu’s legal fees.
Police Portfolio Committee chair Ian Cameron is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Senzo Mchunu from Cabinet, arguing that taxpayers should not continue funding a minister on special leave with a bill nearing R6 million. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia recently told Parliament that the Justice Department has already spent R2.7 million on Mchunu's legal fees.
Cameron revealed that Mchunu's total remuneration and legal expenses have cost the state approximately R5.86 million since he was placed on special leave in July 2025. He pointed out that taxpayers are paying almost R3 million per year for Mchunu's salary and an additional R2.7 million in legal costs, which Cameron deems "reckless and negligent taxpayer spending."
Cameron suggested that Ramaphosa could remove Mchunu from Cabinet without removing him from his parliamentary seat, thus retaining his parliamentary remuneration. The issue is further complicated by serious allegations against Mchunu by KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims the minister has colluded with criminals and interfered in government decisions, particularly within the justice system. Cameron emphasized that removing Mchunu from Cabinet would not constitute a criminal conviction.
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