Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has been placed on leave of absence with immediate effect following damning corruption allegations that have sent shockwaves through South Africa’s law enforcement community.
This unprecedented development was announced on Sunday (13 July) evening when President Cyril Ramaphosa finally addressed the explosive allegations made by Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, during a media briefing on 6 July.
Serious allegations rock SAPS leadership
The allegations made by Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi include claims of criminal associations with suspected criminal figures, interference in police investigations, particularly those involving political killings in KwaZulu-Natal and collusion with business interests to undermine law enforcement operations
At the time these allegations surfaced, President Ramaphosa was attending the BRICS summit in Brazil, delaying the government’s official response.
Presidential statement on Police Minister scandal
“Lt. Gen. Mkhwanazi alleged that the Minister of Police allegedly interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal,” President Ramaphosa stated during his address.
The President further revealed the scope of the alleged corruption network: “Lt. Gen. Mkhwanazi also said that a police investigation by the task team in Gauteng unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people.”
National Security implications prompt judicial commission
Recognising the gravity of these allegations, President Ramaphosa emphasised their potential impact on South Africa’s constitutional democracy and national security.
“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption,” the President warned.
High-Profile commission of inquiry established
In response to the crisis, Ramaphosa has established a comprehensive judicial commission of inquiry to investigate these serious allegations. The commission will be chaired by the acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga (Chairperson), Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC (Commissioner) and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC (Commissioner).
Scope of investigation covers multiple institutions
The commission’s mandate extends far beyond the immediate allegations against Minister Mchunu, encompassing a broad investigation into criminal infiltration of South Africa’s justice system.
Institutions under investigation
The commission will examine potential corruption within: – South African Police Service (SAPS) – National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) – State Security Agency – The Judiciary and Magistracy – Metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane
Specific areas of investigation
The commission is empowered to investigate: – Organised crime facilitation by law enforcement officials – Manipulation or suppression of criminal investigations – Criminal inducement by law enforcement leadership – Intimidation and victimisation of whistleblowers – Financial or political benefits derived from syndicate operations
Executive accountability and timeline
President Ramaphosa confirmed that the commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive were involved in the alleged criminal activities.
The commission is expected to provide interim reports after three and six months respectively, with recommendations for: – Criminal prosecutions – Disciplinary actions – Institutional reforms – Suspension of implicated officials
Acting Police Minister appointed
In the interim, Professor Firoz Cachalia, who previously served as MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng, has been appointed as acting Minister of Police. However, Cachalia will only assume his responsibilities from the beginning of August. Until then, President Ramaphosa will appoint an acting minister from the current Cabinet.
Mchunu welcomes investigation process
Shortly after the President’s announcement, Mchunu issued a statement accepting the decision and pledging cooperation with the investigation process.
“I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold,” Mchunu stated.
He added: “I stand ready to respond to the accusations against me and account to the citizens of the Republic, fully and honestly.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.