Julius Malema Says Cyril Ramaphosa Didn’t Fire Senzo Mchunu Because of Faction Loyalty, SA Disagrees

• Julius Malema has shared his thoughts on Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Senzo Mchunu on leave
• The president placed the Police Minister on leave while bringing in Professor Firoz Cachalia as his replacement
• South Africans shared their thoughts on social media about Malema's claims, agreeing with Ramaphosa's decision

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

WESTERN CAPE - Julius Malema has claimed that President Cyril Ramaphosa didn’t fire Senzo Mchunu because they are in the same faction.

Ramaphosa has earned a lot of criticism for the way he’s handled the fallout of allegations made by Lieutenant-General Mkwanazi. In response to the allegations by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, the president placed Mchunu on leave, while bringing in Professor Firoz Cachalia as his replacement as Minister of Police.

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While some parties called for Mchunu to be removed from the post, the Commander-in-Chief (CiC) of the EFF explained why it didn’t happen.

What did Malema say?

Speaking at a press briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, 24 July 2025, Malema said that Ramaphosa didn’t take harsher action against Mchunu because they were in the same faction.

“Minister Mchunu was supposed to be fired. Fired completely, but you know, factions are painful. You know to belong to a faction is the most painful thing as a leader. Cyril and Mchunu are in the same faction,” he said.

He noted that when the allegations were made on 6 January 2025 by the KZN Police Commissioner, Ramaphosa didn’t act immediately but said he would when he returned to the country. Malema added that this was done to give Mchunu a chance to resign, so the president didn’t have to be forced into making a choice.

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“If Mchunu loved Cyril, he should have resigned and not put him in that difficult position,” Malema stated.

You can see Malema sharing his thoughts below.

What you need to know about Mchunu

• The Minister of Police admitted that he knew Brown Mogotsi, despite initially telling Parliament that he didn’t know him.
• The Democratic Alliance opened a criminal case against Mchunu following Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
• The Public Protector launched a formal investigation against Mchunu following mounting pressure to act.
• Mchunu asked to be placed on special leave ahead of Ramaphosa’s address to the nation.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave and established a Commission of Inquiry.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users weighed in on Malema’s comments, with many saying that Ramaphosa could not fire Mchunu without a valid reason.

Shine Matshivela said:

“In government, it’s not like your cult where you can fire people without a proper investigation.”

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Thabo Sefoli agreed:

“You don't fire based on allegations, please.”

Dabishi Lion Mudau asked:

“If he is found not guilty, then who must pay for the costs? It is better that those who are capable of investigating do their job. That is the first move to be taken.”

Thabiso T Man Serape stated:

“You failed to fire Floyd, too, when his brother was involved in the VBS scandal. Did SAPS charge Mchunu? Last time Zizi Kodwa resigned, the courts found him not guilty. Stop grandstanding.”

Ditiro Seerane asked:

“What would the charge be if Ramaphosa were to fire Mchunu?”

Moses Sibuyi said:

“If Ramaphosa fires Mchunu, then Malema will say Ramaphosa is a cruel dictator.”

Sitha Yaya Sithole added:

“Firing one of his top allies would be suicidal for Ramaphosa. I would do the same if I had state power.”

Ramaphosa explains why he didn't fire Mchunu

Briefly News reported that President Ramaphosa explained why he didn't fire the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu.

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"Why should we subject criminals to commissions": Malema slams Ramaphosa for protecting Mchunu

The president also defended his decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations.

South Africans weighed in on the president's explanation, speculating why he really shielded Mchunu.

Source: Briefly News