The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has issued a statement expressing “profound concern” over allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, implicating Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Shadrack Sibiya, and others in organised crime and political interference in police investigations.

The allegations surfaced during a press briefing held by Lt Gen. Mkhwanazi on Sunday, July 6, when the KZN Police Commissioner accused elements within law enforcement and, crucially, within political leadership, of obstructing justice and undermining police operations, further aggravating public distrust in the criminal justice system.

In a statement dated 8 July, the SACC, which represents an ecumenical association of Christian Churches and organizations in South Africa, voiced its shock and concern over the situation. The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), led by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, is a member of the SACC and shares in the collective concern.

“The Church has always stood as a beacon of truth in times of national crisis like this one. As Scripture reminds us, ‘The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love’ (Psalm 33:5). As the voice of millions of South African Christians, we cannot remain silent when the very foundations of justice and law enforcement in our nation are under threat,” reads the statement signed by the SACC General Secretary Rev. Mzwandile Molo.

The SACC statement describes the allegations as “serious and disconcerting,” particularly because they implicate a senior cabinet minister whose portfolio is central to national safety and the fight against crime.

“It is troubling to entertain the thought that someone with all the power and instruments bestowed on him by our constitution and state is possibly using this to facilitate criminality instead of fighting crime. It is a scary thought for our nation,” the statement continues.

In the statement signed by Rev. Molo, the SACC members pointed to what they described as a “collapse of trust” between the Ministry and the South African Police Service, warning that such a fracture comes at a time when crime levels are alarmingly high and public confidence in the police is “in most cases non-existent.”

To address the crisis and restore public trust, the SACC has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take decisive action, including initiating impartial investigations into all allegations, suspending implicated parties pending outcomes, strengthening oversight of law enforcement agencies, protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring swift measures to uphold integrity within the security cluster.

The SACC has also called on all those implicated, including Minister Mchunu, to “search their conscience and put the country first” by cooperating fully with investigations and stepping aside during the process.

“The safety and security of the people is a sacred responsibility of any state…We pray that President Ramaphosa will not fail the nation, and act swiftly,” they add.

The SACC concluded its statement with a national call to prayer and civic action.

In the latest developments, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola announced during a media briefing on Wednesday, July 9, that the police are prepared to brief President Cyril Ramaphosa on the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

“We find ourselves in an extraordinary and deeply concerning moment, which demands urgent and impartial intervention to rebuild public confidence and organisational stability. We welcome President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to prioritise this issue upon his return from international duties. The police service is fully prepared to provide the President with a comprehensive briefing,” said the National Police Commissioner.