CAPE TOWN, Wednesday 28 October 2026 — State expenditure on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s remuneration and legal representation, together with the salary of acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, has reached approximately R8.89 million, according to figures disclosed in a parliamentary response and highlighted by police committee chairperson Ian Cameron.
The disclosure has prompted renewed calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Mchunu from Cabinet while investigations into allegations concerning his conduct continue.
Legal representation costs R2.7 million
Cachalia confirmed in a written parliamentary reply that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development had paid approximately R2.7 million towards Mchunu’s legal representation.
The State Legal Representation Policy provides for legal assistance to certain public officials in relation to acts or omissions connected with their official duties.
Cachalia said Mchunu’s legal representation was being provided under that policy.
The disclosure does not establish that the legal expenditure was unlawful.
Two ministerial remuneration packages
Cameron said Mchunu had received approximately R3.16 million in remuneration while on special leave.
Cachalia, who has performed the ministerial duties during that period, received approximately R3.02 million.
Together with Mchunu’s legal costs, the figures amount to approximately R8.89 million.
The salary figures cover the period reported through August 2026, meaning they do not necessarily represent the final expenditure.
Cameron calls for Mchunu’s removal
Cameron argued that Ramaphosa should end the arrangement by removing Mchunu from Cabinet.
He said Mchunu could retain his parliamentary seat while no longer drawing ministerial remuneration.
Cameron also argued that entitlement to legal representation for previous official conduct was a separate question from whether Mchunu should remain a Cabinet member.
The criticism concerns the cost of the arrangement rather than a judicial finding against the minister.
Mchunu remains on special leave
Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave in July 2025 following allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Those allegations concerned suspected political interference and alleged misconduct within the criminal justice system.
Mchunu has denied wrongdoing.
Cachalia was appointed to perform the police minister’s duties while the relevant investigative and parliamentary processes continued.
Presidential decision remains outstanding
The Presidency has not announced that Mchunu will be removed from Cabinet.
The latest figures add a public-finance dimension to the continuing controversy over his position.
Further scrutiny is likely to focus on the total cost of legal representation, the duration of the special-leave arrangement and whether Ramaphosa intends to make a permanent appointment to the police portfolio.
