Senzo Mchunu’s Special Leave Costs Taxpayers R8.89 Million, South Africans Demand Accountability
- Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron revealed the total cost of Senzo Mchunu's special leave
- Cameron called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to end the arrangement and the full disclosure of all costs approved
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the rising costs, sharing various reactions to the news
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has spent a decade reporting on South Africa's political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE — Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron has revealed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's special leave arrangement has cost South African taxpayers at least R8.89 million, with the full legal bill still undisclosed.
Cameron broke down the expenditure in a post shared on X on 28 October, drawing on figures obtained through parliamentary replies.
The total comprises R3.16 million in remuneration paid to Mchunu during his period of special leave, R3.02 million for Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, and R2.7 million in legal fees covering Mchunu's representation before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee.
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Cameron noted that the salary figures only run to August 2026, meaning the final tally is higher.
What triggered Mchunu's special leave?
President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave in July 2025 after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's allegations.
Mchunu has had subsequent appearances before the Madlanga Commission and the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee, requiring State-funded legal representation, contributing to the mounting costs.
Cameron put the R8.89 million figure into stark context, noting it is equivalent to more than 35 annual basic constable salaries at SAPS's 2026 advertised rates, before accounting for benefits, training, or operational costs.
"Keeping two ministerial pay packages running for one portfolio is a reckless use of taxpayers' money. Citing policy does not make it responsible," Cameron wrote.
He called on Ramaphosa to end the arrangement and argued the president could remove Mchunu from Cabinet while allowing him to remain an MP. Cameron also demanded that the Departments of Police and Justice disclose the full legal bill and any limits placed on further spending.
How did South Africans react?
The post drew sharp reaction online.
@beetle_1946 wrote: "If politicians are found guilty of any offence, then they should be made responsible to pay out of their own pockets for any legal costs. If it means they have to sell their assets, then so be it."
@GrantLangl3830 asked:
"Can anyone explain why taxpayers have to pay these lawyers? Surely they should pay for their own defence."
@CQd6IdrN96Kg61G added:
"What must the people do? Feel more pain? That money could be utilised by the impoverished communities."
@Hermanu9da stated:
"No big surprise. How many MPs in parliament get paid and they also do nothing."
@LinWii01 asked:
"Why are you reporting to us? You are in Parliament and Chairperson of the Police Committee. You do something."
Paul Mashatile denies that Mchunu is being protected
Briefly News reported that Paul Mashatile addressed why no action was taken against Mchunu following allegations made against him.
The Deputy President denied that the minister was being shielded, saying that the president was waiting for the final report from the Madlanga Commission.
South Africans weighed in on Mashatile's comments, but social media users expressed distrust in the deputy president's statement.
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Source: Briefly News
