Suspended South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had his cellphone seized for the second time at his KwaZulu-Natal home on 21 September 2026, according to a Johannesburg High Court search-and-seizure warrant executed by police. His spokesperson confirmed the raid, noting the first set of devices had not been returned.
The raid occurred at Mchunu’s private residence. It marks the second time police have confiscated communication tools from the minister, who has been on special leave since July 2025.
Sithembiso Mshengu, Mchunu’s spokesperson, stated the minister handed over the device in the presence of his attorney, calling it a “law-abiding” act.
It must be noted that this is the second time the police have seized these communication tools without returning the first set,
Mshengu said, adding that Mchunu would address the developments in the coming weeks.
High Court Warrant Targets Former Minister
The operation on 21 September 2026 followed a Johannesburg High Court search-and-seizure warrant. A first raid at Mchunu’s home occurred in October 2025, according to eNCA.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda described the operation as part of a normal Investigative process
into charges of fraud and undermining justice, which were opened in 2025. Mchunu has faced scrutiny for months following the commission’s revelations, though he has not been charged with wrongdoing.
Madlanga Commission Scrutinizes Cartel Allegations
The raids are tied to ongoing investigations into Mchunu’s tenure as police minister, including allegations of political interference and ties to criminal networks.
In July 2025, KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of aiding a big five cartel
and dismantling the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The minister denies these claims. These allegations led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission, which has scrutinized state institutions for criminal infiltration.
Mchunu has appeared before the Madlanga Commission multiple times to defend his decisions. This includes the dissolution of the PKTT, which he claims was necessary for operational efficiency.
ANC Succession Battle and Parallel Raids
Bishop Lawrence Maumela, a self-described friend of suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, claimed the raids are part of a succession battle
within the African National Congress (ANC).
If the president cannot intervene, we are going to retaliate,
Maumela said, citing police raids at both Mchunu’s and Sibiya’s homes.
Sibiya, facing sexual misconduct charges, was also targeted in a separate search-and-seizure operation on the same day.
Anticipated Statements and Investigation Intensity
The minister’s upcoming statements are expected to clarify his position. However, the repeated raids underscore the intensity of the investigation into his conduct.