Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
South African police have carried out a search and seizure operation at the KwaZulu-Natal home of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, seizing an electronic device as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations including defeating the ends of justice and fraud.
The operation took place on Monday, September 21, 2026, after police officers from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit executed a search-and-seizure warrant issued by the Johannesburg High Court.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the operation in a statement, saying the warrant authorised officers to search for and seize specified items from the residence.
Mchunu’s spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, also confirmed that the suspended minister handed over a cellphone to police in the presence of his lawyer and in compliance with the court order.
What police seized
According to SAPS, officers seized electronic devices from Mchunu’s residence during the operation.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the search was part of an ongoing investigation involving cases of defeating the ends of justice and fraud, among other charges opened at Durban Central police station in 2025.
The warrant was reportedly issued by the Johannesburg High Court and identified cellular devices using specific International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
Mchunu’s spokesperson confirmed that the minister complied with the warrant.
“As a law-abiding citizen and in the presence of his attorney, Minister Mchunu handed over the handset in line with the directive of the court,” Mshengu said, according to reports carried by South African media.
The operation does not, by itself, establish that Mchunu has committed an offence. Police have described the seizure as part of an investigation.
Second police seizure at Mchunu’s home
The latest operation is significant because it is reportedly the second time police have seized electronic communication devices from Mchunu’s KwaZulu-Natal residence.
Mchunu’s spokesperson said the first set of devices seized during an earlier operation had not been returned by the time of the latest search.
The spokesperson said Mchunu would address the latest development, as well as other matters surrounding his name, in the coming weeks.
The earlier operation took place in October 2025.
Investigation linked to cases opened in 2025
SAPS said the current search forms part of investigations into cases that were opened at Durban Central police station in 2025.
Among the matters identified by police are allegations relating to defeating the ends of justice and fraud.
The police statement did not say that Mchunu had been charged with these offences. Instead, it described the search and seizure as an investigative process conducted under the authority of a court-issued warrant.
That distinction is important because an investigation or seizure of evidence is not equivalent to a criminal conviction.
The contents of the seized device and their relevance to the investigation have not been publicly disclosed.
Mchunu has remained on special leave
The police operation comes against the background of a broader controversy surrounding Mchunu and allegations of political interference and criminal infiltration within South Africa’s law-enforcement system.
President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave of absence in July 2025 after allegations were made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi concerning alleged interference in police operations and links involving individuals accused of connections to criminal networks.
Ramaphosa also announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the broader allegations.
Mchunu has denied wrongdoing and has said he would respond to the allegations through the appropriate processes.
The developments led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has been examining allegations involving criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.
Parliament continues to examine allegations
The latest police operation also comes while parliamentary scrutiny of the allegations surrounding the South African Police Service continues.
In September 2026, Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by Mkhwanazi discussed the relationship between Mchunu, businessman Brown Mogotsi and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The parliamentary proceedings have included discussion of claims concerning political interference, police structures and alleged relationships involving individuals connected to the broader investigation.
However, allegations aired during parliamentary or commission proceedings remain allegations unless established through the relevant legal or investigative processes.
Parliament has also previously recorded differing views among committee members about how the evidence concerning Mchunu should be treated.
What the raid means for the investigation
The seizure of Mchunu’s cellphone gives investigators access to potentially relevant electronic evidence, although the contents and evidentiary significance of the device have not been made public.
Digital devices can contain communications, records and other information that investigators may examine where authorised by law.
At this stage, however, there is no public confirmation from SAPS about what investigators found on the device or whether the seizure has resulted in additional charges.
The police have not publicly stated that Mchunu is being arrested or charged as a result of the latest operation.
Mchunu’s position
Mchunu’s spokesperson has stressed that the minister complied with the court order and handed over the specified device in the presence of his lawyer.
This position differs from any interpretation that the seizure itself demonstrates wrongdoing.
Mchunu has remained a central figure in the wider investigations since being placed on leave in 2025, but the allegations against him remain subject to investigation and inquiry processes.
In earlier comments following his placement on special leave, Mchunu said he would await the judicial commission’s process to give his side of the story.
Why the development matters
The raid places renewed attention on one of the most closely watched law-enforcement controversies in South Africa.
The case involves questions about the functioning of the country’s police service, alleged political interference, accountability and the relationship between government officials and people accused of links to organised criminal activity.
For the public, the central issue will be whether investigators can establish facts from documentary, digital and other evidence rather than relying solely on competing allegations.
The Johannesburg High Court’s involvement in issuing the search warrant also means the latest seizure was carried out under judicial authority.
The significance of the operation will therefore depend largely on what investigators establish from the seized material and whether the investigation eventually leads to further legal action.
What happens next
Police investigations into the cases opened in 2025 remain ongoing.
SAPS has not announced the contents of the seized device or indicated whether further charges will result from the search.
Mchunu’s spokesperson has indicated that the former police minister is expected to respond to the latest developments in the coming weeks.
The wider political and institutional questions surrounding Mchunu are also continuing through South Africa’s inquiry and parliamentary processes.
For now, the confirmed development is that police executed a Johannesburg High Court-authorised search-and-seizure warrant at Mchunu’s KwaZulu-Natal residence and seized an electronic device as part of an ongoing investigation.
The outcome of that investigation remains to be established.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- South African Police Service (SAPS) — confirmation of the search-and-seizure operation and investigation.
- eNCA — reporting on the raid and Mchunu’s response.
- SABC News — reporting on the cellphone seizure and background to Mchunu’s special leave.
- Eyewitness News — details of the High Court warrant and police investigation.
- The Presidency of South Africa — official statement on Mchunu’s leave of absence and the commission of inquiry.
- Parliament of South Africa — recent parliamentary scrutiny of allegations involving Mchunu.
