Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's private family home in KwaZulu-Natal was raided by police on Monday morning, 21 September 2026. Officers seized at least one cellphone under a search-and-seizure warrant issued by the Johannesburg High Court.
Spokesperson confirms handover of device
Mchunu's spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, confirmed the operation in a statement released late on Tuesday. A group of officers arrived at the residence with a court order specifically targeting cellular phones linked to listed IMEI numbers. Mchunu, who was present with his attorney, handed over the device in compliance with the warrant.
“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. He noted that this was the second time police had seized the minister's communication devices and that 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.”
Police confirm search linked to fraud probe
KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed the action. Members of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit executed the warrant at the Cabinet minister's private residence. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the operation formed part of an ongoing investigation into cases of defeating the ends of justice and fraud, among other charges, opened in 2025 at Durban Central police station.
Linked operation and broader context
Reports indicate the raid occurred at roughly the same time as a similar search-and-seizure operation at the Centurion home of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, who faces separate rape charges and appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Mchunu has been on special leave since July 2025 after allegations of political interference in police operations and alleged links to organised crime. He has previously stated that he has nothing to hide and has cooperated with investigators. No further public comment from Mchunu was available beyond his spokesperson's statement.
Police described the search as a normal investigative process. Further details on the information sought from the seized devices have not been released. The investigation continues.