South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave of absence.
This follows accusations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that Mchunu colluded with a criminal syndicate and interfered in high-profile investigations.
Mchunu has denied the allegations. He described them as “baseless” and, through his spokesperson last week, said he is “committed to upholding the rule of law.”
Ramaphosa, who rose to power on an anti-corruption platform, is under pressure to act quickly.
Political parties and citizens say the allegations threaten the integrity of the criminal justice system.
“These allegations, therefore, call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation,” Ramaphosa said in a national address aired on both public and private TV stations
He announced that a judicial commission of inquiry will be established to investigate the matter.
In the meantime, law professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting Minister of Police.
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