“Bring Proof” Senzo Mchunu Slams Claims Of Secret Deal With Matlala

Suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu has firmly denied claims that he attempted to coerce alleged criminal figure Vusimusi Matlala into signing a false affidavit.

The allegations emerged during testimony presented before a parliamentary ad hoc committee and have since intensified scrutiny around the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Letter Claims High-Level Plot Involving Senior Officials

The controversy was raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who referenced a letter allegedly written by inmate Jermaine Prim.

According to the letter, a conference call involving several high-ranking figures allegedly took place in September to pressure Matlala into signing an affidavit denying any relationship with Mchunu.

Those reportedly named in the letter include former National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, advocate Laurence Hodes, Investigative Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson, and an individual identified as Nkwashu.

“The plan and the reason for the call were to get Matlala to sign an affidavit that states he doesn’t know Mchunu,” the letter alleged.

‘I Have Never Met Batohi,’ Says Senzo Mchunu

Responding to the claims in an interview with the SABC, Mchunu dismissed the allegations outright.

“I’ve never met Batohi,” Mchunu said. “I have never met her with the person the letter alleges. It has never happened on earth up to now.”

He also expressed concern that the claims were presented without verification.

“Let us be decent. We may not like people and make allegations about them, but please bring evidence. I advise that he must take whatever evidence he has to the Madlanga Commission.”

Inquiry Continues as Political Pressure Mounts

Mkhwanazi told the committee that while the claims remain allegations, certain details in the letter — including references to information not yet public — gave it “legitimacy”.

Despite the controversy, Mchunu confirmed he resumed his duties within the African National Congress National Executive Committee and National Working Committee on 26 March, after previously stepping aside in November.

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He remains on special leave from his ministerial role. Mchunu has already appeared before both the inquiry and the parliamentary committee. His spokesperson Sithembiso Mshengu said the minister has addressed the allegations sufficiently.

“We sincerely believe he has done [what was required],” Mshengu said. “Even if he were called to appear before the commission again, there is little left for him to clarify. He has requested that these processes be concluded speedily.”