Ramaphosa Claps Back At Bias Claims Over Mchunu Suspension And Simelane Scandal

President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed accusations that he applied double standards by suspending Police Minister Senzo Mchunu but not taking similar action against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who also faces corruption allegations.

Addressing members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town on Tuesday, Ramaphosa stressed that his decisions are based purely on evidence and due process.

When DA KwaZulu-Natal NCOP member Nzamo Billy questioned whether Ramaphosa was protecting allies and punishing opponents, the President firmly denied the suggestion.

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“No, I do not have double standards,” Ramaphosa said.

“As the person who appoints people to the national executive for a country, I do evaluate various matters rather carefully. And in that process of evaluation, then I will make a call.”

He added that his approach was guided by fairness and impartiality.

“I ask for reports, I evaluate the reports, and then I make a call. Without any fear, which I think you allude to, any favour, which you allude to, and any prejudice. That’s precisely how it works.”

Mchunu’s Suspension and the Madlanga Commission

Mchunu was placed on special leave following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused him of interfering in high-profile investigations to shield individuals tied to criminal networks.

During a media briefing in July, Mkhwanazi claimed that Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the political task team probing political killings and organised crime in the province.

He alleged that Mchunu issued a directive in December 2024 to shut down the team under pressure from associates, including Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman arrested for attempted murder, and Brown Mogotsi.

According to Mkhwanazi, Matlala secured a R360 million police contract in 2024 and reportedly helped fund Mchunu’s political activities. He further alleged that senior police figures linked to drug syndicates were blocking investigations into the killings of several entertainment figures.

In response, Ramaphosa appointed the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to investigate the claims and named Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.

Political analysts have suggested that Ramaphosa’s decision to suspend, rather than dismiss, Mchunu reflected the minister’s political weight within the ANC, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

Simelane Faces Scrutiny Over VBS Loan and Eskom Deal

Meanwhile, Thembi Simelane has also been under scrutiny over a R575,600 loan she obtained from the now-collapsed VBS Mutual Bank while serving as the mayor of Polokwane. The loan was reportedly used to buy a coffee shop in Sandton.

Simelane denied any wrongdoing when she appeared before the Justice Portfolio Committee in Parliament last year.

Ramaphosa later reshuffled her from the Justice and Constitutional Development portfolio to Human Settlements, replacing her with Mmamoloko Kubayi.

Simelane has also faced separate allegations of involvement in inflated billing linked to an Eskom contractor, which she has categorically denied.

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