Johannesburg – Tensions Mount in Police Ministry Drama
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s Chief of Staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, says he is fearing for his life following what he describes as a violent search and seizure raid carried out at his flat in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
According to Nkabinde, about 15 heavily armed officers dressed in camouflage and wearing balaclavas stormed his residence late on Wednesday night, allegedly acting on orders from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
Allegations of Assault During the Raid
Nkabinde told reporters that he was not at home when the officers arrived, but that his brother was assaulted by the police, who allegedly mistook him for Nkabinde.
“They broke into my flat, turned everything upside down, and took several electronic devices. My brother was beaten because they thought he was me,”
said Nkabinde.
He added that the officers claimed to be searching for laptops and other electronic items, though no official warrant or documentation has yet been made public.
Nkabinde Points Finger at Police Commissioner
Nkabinde has directly accused National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola of orchestrating the raid.
“If anything happens to me, Commissioner Masemola must be held responsible,”
Nkabinde warned.
The Chief of Staff described the situation as an act of intimidation, coming amid growing tensions within the police ministry following Senzo Mchunu’s suspension earlier this month.
Context: Tensions in the Police Ministry
The raid adds to an already volatile political environment surrounding the suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, whose office has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks.
Analysts say the latest development could deepen divisions within the security cluster and raise further questions about the use of police authority in internal political disputes.
Official Response Pending
As of now, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Commissioner Fannie Masemola’s office have not yet issued an official statement in response to Nkabinde’s allegations.
Authorities are expected to clarify the nature of the search operation in the coming days.
