Taxpayers have paid more than R6.18 million in ministerial remuneration to Senzo Mchunu and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia while Mchunu has remained on special leave.
The combined amount of R6,187,364.48 covers the period from July 2025 to August 2026 and was disclosed by Cachalia in a written parliamentary reply to Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) MP Emerald Madlala.
Cachalia’s remuneration package cost R3,024,834.58 between August 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026, while Mchunu’s amounted to R3,162,529.90 between July 14, 2025 and August 31, 2026.
Madlala asked Cachalia how much had been spent on the remuneration of both ministers since Mchunu was placed on special leave.
In his reply, Cachalia said ministerial remuneration is determined under section 4(1) of the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998, with adjustments published in the Government Gazette.
Cachalia said Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave of absence on July 13, 2025.
He was appointed Acting Minister of Police with effect from August 1, 2025.
The two payment periods therefore do not begin on the same date.
Mchunu’s remuneration was calculated from July 14, 2025, the day after his special leave began, while Cachalia’s calculation starts from August 1, when he took over as acting minister.
Why Mchunu was placed on special leave
Mchunu was placed on special leave after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made allegations concerning political interference in the police and the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team.
The allegations resulted in the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has been examining allegations of political interference and criminality within the police.
Mchunu has appeared before the commission to respond to allegations and defend his actions, including the decision to disband the task team.
IOL has reported that the commission has continued to hear evidence concerning senior police officials and alleged criminal networks.
The commission’s work has continued more than a year after Mchunu was placed on special leave, while Cachalia has remained in the acting ministerial role.
The latest development involving Mchunu came last week when police served him with a Johannesburg High Court search-and-seizure warrant at his family home in KwaZulu-Natal.
The warrant authorised the seizure of cellular phones linked to specific IMEI numbers.
IOL reported that the warrant identified at least six devices, although only one phone was confiscated during the latest operation.
The warrant relates to a criminal investigation involving allegations including corruption, fraud and obstructing the course of justice.
Mchunu’s spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, said Mchunu handed over the handset in the presence of his attorney and in compliance with the court order.
“As a law-abiding citizen and in the presence of his attorney, Minister Mchunu handed over the handset in line with the directive of the court,” Mshengu said.
Mshengu said the latest seizure was the second time police had taken communication devices from Mchunu and said the first set had not been returned.
“Minister Mchunu will address these developments and many other matters that evolve around his name in the coming weeks,” he said.
