South African President Cyril Ramfosa has put Police Minister Senjo McHunu on immediate “leave of absence” after allegations of linking of organized crimes against him.
In a live television speech for the nation on Sunday, Ramfosa also announced that a judicial commission would investigate claims, stating that he reduced the Constitution and threatened national security.
He said that the law professor Feroz Kachalia was appointed as the Interim Police Minister.
Mchunu denied any wrongdoing, in a statement that he was “ready to respond to the allegations” against him.
In his speech, the President said that allegations against Maikahunu, which involve intervention in the investigation of political murders and interference in corruption within law enforcement agencies, “call for an immediate and comprehensive investigation”.
He said that the judicial commission, led by the Deputy Chief Justice of the country, will investigate all claims.
The Commission will also investigate the current and former police officers, as well as members of the national executive, said Ramfosa.
Public pressure is increasing to work rapidly on the Ramfosa high-profile case.
The 67 -year -old MCHUNU is an influential person in the African National Congress (ANC) party of Ramfosa.
Political analysts suggest that he may run for leadership positions at the next alternative conference of ANC in 2027.
In a statement, Mchunu said: “I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to this process.
“Respect and integrity are the qualities I personally subscribe and which we all need to try to maintain.”
The allegations were earlier made public by Quazulu-Natal Provincial Police Boss Nehlanhala Makhwani. last Sunday.
He claimed that MCHunu was receiving financial assistance from an alleged corrupt businessman to fund his “political efforts”.
General Makhwaji also expanded a sequence of incidents that he claimed that a task force was established in 2018 to investigate the murder of politicians in 2018, mainly in Quazulu-Natal.
He said that the team’s investigation had exposed the link to high -profile individuals – which included politicians, police officers and businessmen tied to a drug cartel syndicate – and that is why the team was dissolved.
When he dissolved the unit earlier this year, Machunu said that it was not adding value to the province, despite many cases unresolved.
According to General Makhwanzi, a total of 121 case files were allegedly removed from the unit on the instructions of the minister and without the authority of his boss, National Police Commissioner General Fanny Mentamola.
“These cases have been sitting in the head office since March, since March, without any investigation done on them. Five of these docks had already given instructions. [effect] The arrest, “said General Makhwanzi.
He also alleged that Mchunu had relations with a controversial businessman who was “financially supported” the minister’s political career.
Vusimuji Matilala signed an attractive contract with the police before he was suddenly canceled when he was arrested for attempted murder in May. General Makhwaji shared copies of text messages and allegedly made by Mr. Mattala to prove this.
