President Ramaphosa Cracks Down on Police Corruption

On Sunday night, 13 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa went live with a big announcement that’s had everyone talking. The reason? Some serious claims came out about crime and corruption inside the police force, and people are rightfully worried.

👮‍♂️ What’s the story?

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, recently claimed that a powerful criminal group has made its way into law enforcement, the courts, and even the intelligence services. He said this group is messing with investigations and protecting people involved in political killings. He also claimed that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu shut down a task team that was supposed to be digging into these crimes.

The public was shocked, so the President had to step in.

What Ramaphosa is doing about it

The President has put Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect, so the investigations can go ahead without any interference.

Law professor Firoz Cachalia will be filling in as the acting Minister of Police while everything gets looked into.

A top-level commission is being set up to dig into the claims. It’ll be led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, along with senior advocates, Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo.

🔍 What the commission will look into

This team will check if:

• Criminal groups have gotten into the police, the courts, or intelligence services
• Investigations were blocked, covered up, or tampered with
• Officials are getting any shady financial or political benefits
• Whistleblowers have been threatened, harassed, or pushed out

They’ll be able to suggest criminal charges, suspensions, or even urgent action if needed.

🧠 Why it matters

The President said South Africans need to be able to trust the people who are supposed to protect them. This investigation is about cleaning up the system and making sure criminals don’t have power over the police or justice.

🗣️ What others are saying

Not everyone agrees on how this was handled. The Democratic Alliance thinks putting the Minister on leave isn’t enough. They say he should’ve been fired. The Inkatha Freedom Party, on the other hand, says it’s a step in the right direction and shows the President is taking things seriously.

All of this is happening while the coalition government is already dealing with pressure from different sides, so the timing is definitely intense.

🎥 Missed the speech?

You can watch the full address here: Watch onYouTube