Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on an emergency “leave of absence” by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following accusations that he has ties to organised crime.
Ramaphosa also declared that a judicial committee will look into the allegations, which he said jeopardised national security and violated the constitution, in his live, nationally televised speech on Sunday.
Firoz Cachalia, a law professor, was named interim police minister, he added. In a statement, Mchunu said he “stood ready to respond to the accusations” against him and denied any misconduct.
The president stated in his address that the accusations against Mchunu “call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation” and include corruption in law enforcement and meddling in investigations into political deaths.
He stated all the accusations will be investigated by the judicial body headed by the nation’s deputy chief justice. According to Ramaphosa, the inquiry will also look into members of the national executive and current and past police officers. The public has been putting increasing pressure on Ramaphosa to take immediate action in light of the well-known case.
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