Taxpayers to fund Mchunu's R2.69 million salary during suspension

Taxpayers will face an increased financial burden as Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, is set to continue receiving his full annual salary of R2.69 million.

This decision comes in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude.

Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224 166.67 per month.

During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police.

While Cachalia’s exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term.

If Cachalia serves as acting minister, he is expected to earn a monthly salary equivalent to that of a full Cabinet minister, approximately R224 166.67.

This means he would receive around R672 500 over three months, and up to R1.35 million if the inquiry stretches to six months.

This effectively means the Ministry of Police will cost the state nearly R1.35 million in salaries over three months, and up to R2.69 million if the inquiry extends to six months.

A minister’s total remuneration includes a basic salary component that is equal to 60% of the total package, which constitutes the pensionable salary.

Each public servant is paid R120 000 per annum, including in their basic salary. The Presidency said that this amount is subject to the Income Tax Act.

An employer’s pension benefit contribution is equal to 22.5% of pensionable salary.

Ramaphosa announced on Sunday the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate “serious corruption allegations” made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

The claims, which directly implicate Mchunu, suggest that high-level interference has obstructed criminal investigations and enabled corrupt syndicates to flourish within law enforcement.

“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption,” Ramaphosa said during his address.

His statement came a week after Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu of shutting down 121 politically sensitive cases by disbanding the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team in March.

He also implicated Mchunu’s close associate Brown Mogotsi in dealings with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who received a R360 million SAPS contract, and later cancelled.

Ramaphosa has tasked Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga with heading the commission, alongside senior advocates Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo. 

“The Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution,” Ramaphosa said. 

He added: “It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.”

Cape Argus