Search and Seizure Conducted at Senzo Mchunu’s Home, Cellphone Taken From Police Minister

• A search and seizure operation was conducted at Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's private KwaZulu-Natal home
• Officials arrived with a Johannesburg High Court warrant targeting cellphones with specific IMEI numbers
• Mchunu's spokesperson confirmed this is the second time authorities have seized his communication devices

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

KWAZULU-NATAL — Senzo Mchunu's spokesperson has confirmed that a search and seizure operation was conducted at the Police Minister's private family home in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mchunu's spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, confirmed the operation in a statement released on 22 September 2026, noting that it happened on Monday, 21 September 2026.

Officials arrived at his home armed with a search and seizure warrant issued by the Johannesburg High Court. According to the statement, the warrant specifically targeted cellular phones identified by their IMEI numbers. The minister, accompanied by his attorney, complied with the court directive and handed over the device without incident.

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Second time police have seized Mchunu's devices

Mshengu noted that this marks the second occasion on which police have seized Mchunu's communication devices, adding that the first set of phones has not been returned to the minister.

"Minister Mchunu will address these developments and many other matters that evolve around his name in the coming weeks," the statement read.

Mchunu, who is currently on a leave of absence from his ministerial duties, has not made any personal public comment in response to the raid. The statement from his office did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation or which authority is leading it.

How did South Africans react?

South Africans reacted to the news on social media, with many expressing support for the process.

Samie Chhipa wrote:

"Bathong, South Africa is working seriously this time. Kuzokhala madoda."

Thato Modisane commented:

"It is pouring heavily on my comrades. This is Mkhwanazi, Khumalo and Masemola era."

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Jay Tambekeni said:

"All Mkhwanazi wanted were his dockets."

Tabisa Ndamase added:

"You delete, we retrieve."

Mutuku Yitumbu wrote:

"His comrade has become a resident of Kgosi Mampuru immediately."

Mchunu's salary costs taxpayers millions

Briefly News reported that South African taxpayers have had to fork out millions for the salaries of two Ministers of Police.

Mchunu was placed on special leave in July 2025, and Professor Firoz Cachalia was appointed as the acting minister.

South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the costs associated with having acting officials in various sectors.

Source: Briefly News