Police Minister Senzo Mchunu cost South African taxpayers R8.89 million while sitting at home doing nothing

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has cost South African taxpayers R8.89 million since he was placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025.

This was revealed by the chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron.

He asked the acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, whether the legal fees of the Mchunu are paid by the state.

Cachalia responded, confirming that the state is funding Mchunu’s legal representation in accordance with the state legal representation policy.

The policy provides for legal representation to state employees, members of the judiciary, and members of the executive.

This legal representation is for acts committed in the course and scope of their employment or official duties.

“Accordingly, legal representation is being provided to Mchunu in accordance with the applicable provisions of the policy,” Cachalia said.

He added that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is responsible for paying the legal costs associated with such representation.

The acting Police Minister said that, to date, R2.7 million has been paid for Mchunu’s legal costs.

Cameron also asked Cachalia about the amount approved or committed for Mchunu’s ongoing legal representation.

The acting minister responded, saying the amount remains subject to the relevant administrative, legal and financial management processes.

“The South African Police Service is currently not in possession of such amounts,” Cachalia said.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu cost taxpayers R8.89 million

Cameron responded to Cachalia’s answer, noting that Mchunu incurred R8.89 million in disclosed remuneration and legal costs.

“Taxpayers have paid R2.7 million for Senzo Mchunu’s lawyers. That comes on top of R3.16 million in remuneration for Mchunu while on special leave,” he said.

Taxpayers also funded another R3.02 million in remuneration for the acting Police Minister, who had to fill Mchunu’s role.

“The salary figures only run to August 2026, and the latest parliamentary reply still does not disclose how much more legal funding has been approved or committed,” he said.

Cameron said that the money wasted due to allegations against Mchunu could have been spent on protecting South Africans from crime.

“At SAPS’s advertised 2026 constable salary, the R8.89 million is more than 35 annual basic salaries, before benefits, training and operational costs,” he said.

“During my May oversight visit, Khayelitsha’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit had 21 officials against an identified ideal of 43.”

“President Ramaphosa could relieve Mchunu of his Cabinet post while he remains an MP. Any entitlement to legal representation is a separate issue.”

Cameron said that keeping two ministerial pay packages running for one portfolio is a reckless use of taxpayers’ money. “Citing policy does not make it responsible,” he said.

“Ramaphosa must end this arrangement. Police and Justice must disclose the full bill and the limits on further legal spending.”