MPs divided over whether Mchunu was influenced by ‘external forces’

By Johnathan Paoli

Members of Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system have clashed over whether suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was influenced by “external forces” when he ordered the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in December 2024.

The disagreement emerged during a virtual meeting on Monday as the committee worked through 54 pages of its latest draft report and considered political parties’ submissions on Mchunu’s decision to disband the task team.

uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP Vusi Shongwe argued that the committee should make a clear finding that Mchunu had been influenced by people outside government, including lobbyist Mary de Haas and businessman Brown Mogotsi.

“It’s clear. It says external forces like Mary de Haas and Brown Mogotsi, and it is supported by the annexures that Mchunu submitted,” Shongwe said.

But ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli rejected the