PRETORIA – South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on a leave of absence, following serious allegations of interference in police investigations and links to a controversial service provider.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement during a national address on Sunday night, revealing that Professor Firoz Cachalia will take over as acting minister of police from 1 August.
The development comes amid claims that Mchunu has an improper relationship with police contractor Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The Presidency has not disclosed the length of Mchunu’s leave or whether he will return to the position.
Ramaphosa further said he would establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the suspected infiltration of law enforcement and intelligence services by criminal syndicates. The inquiry will be chaired by acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
“These allegations call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation,” the president said during the televised address.
The commission will look into the extent of organised crime influence within South Africa’s criminal justice institutions.
WATCH PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S ADDRESS
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