South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken the significant step of placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate "leave of absence" amid serious allegations linking him to organized crime. In a televised address to the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa revealed that a judicial commission would be set up to thoroughly examine these accusations, asserting that they pose a threat to the constitution and national security.
Mchunu, who has denied any wrongdoing, expressed his willingness to address the allegations against him. The President emphasized the necessity for an "urgent and comprehensive investigation," as the claims against Mchunu include claims of obstructing probes into political murders and engaging in corrupt activities within police ranks. The commission, led by the deputy chief justice, is set to investigate both current and former police officials, in addition to members of the national executive.
The allegations, first brought to light by KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, asserted that Mchunu had been financially supported by a businessman connected to corruption, aiding his political ambitions. Mkhwanazi also pointed to the controversial disbandment of a task force designed to investigate the murder of politicians, stressing it was the product of deliberate actions to shield high-ranking individuals linked to drug syndicates.
Mchunu's credibility has come into question since the disbanding of a specialized unit tasked with solving a backlog of political killing cases. Moreover, documents and messages published by Mkhwanazi revealed financial links between Mchunu and a businessman involved in legal troubles, raising further concerns about the influence of organized crime in politics.
As President Ramaphosa faces increasing public pressure to address these high-stakes allegations, the investigation will examine the integrity of law enforcement at multiple levels. Mchunu, a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC) and a potential candidate for future party leadership, remains determined to clear his name throughout the forthcoming judicial process.
