Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has rejected claims of political motive, budget boost in Deputy President Paul Mashatile convoy shooting
Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers
Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has firmly denied that the recent shooting involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy is being used to influence ANC succession debates or to justify increased spending on VIP protection.
Speaking during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) security cluster session on Tuesday, Mchunu responded to concerns raised by Democratic Alliance MP Nicholas Gotsell, who questioned whether the attack on Mashatile’s blue-light convoy would trigger a surge in state-funded VIP security.
Mchunu refuted the insinuation, emphasising that the allocation of protection for government officials, including ministers and traditional leaders, was strictly based on formal threat risk assessments.
"Then decisions get taken accordingly," he said, highlighting that security decisions are grounded in established protocols rather than political considerations.
The exchange follows a March incident where shots were fired at Mashatile’s official vehicle while returning from an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg.
While Gotsell expressed skepticism over the nature of the incident - implying it could be leveraged to enhance personal security - Mchunu dismissed the suggestion as unfounded.
"Don’t create an impression that those problems exist because all the money is used to secure the president and the deputy president," Mchunu said, pushing back against claims that VIP protection is consuming resources that could otherwise combat issues like gang violence.
He added that no formal complaints had been received regarding the security services provided, suggesting the system is functioning well.
However, he cautioned that the growing demand for protective services must be managed prudently.
The police’s demand for security services needed to be managed carefully, Mchunu said, indicating that they were not tempted to be involved in trouble.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with final findings expected in due course.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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