Justice Department pays R2.7 millions for Senzo Mchunu’s legal fees while on special leave, Parliament told

The Justice and Constitutional Development Department has paid R2.7 million towards Senzo Mchunu’s legal fees while the police minister remains on special leave, Parliament has been told.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia disclosed the amount in a written response to Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, confirming that the State is funding Mchunu’s legal representation.

The legal costs come on top of R3.16 million in taxpayer-funded remuneration received by Mchunu while on suspension, taking the combined identified expenditure to approximately R5.86 million.

The total does not include any additional legal fees that may be approved or incurred.

Further expenditure subject to legal and financial processes

Cachalia said the funding was provided under the department’s State Legal Representation Policy, which allows legal representation for public officials, members of the judiciary and members of the executive in matters arising from their official duties.

He confirmed that R2.7 million had been paid towards Mchunu’s legal costs.

However, the response did not specify how much had been approved or committed for his ongoing legal representation.

Further expenditure remained subject to the department’s administrative, legal and financial management processes.

“The SAPS is not currently in possession of those figures,” Cachalia added.

The allegations raised questions about decisions affecting police investigations and the handling of politically sensitive cases.

Mchunu has denied wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has been accused of allowing taxpayers’ money to be spent improperly for his political survival.

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