South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu after major claims of corruption and interference in criminal inquires.
The suspension came after allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of being related to criminal syndicates and interfering in the work of a special unit investigating politically motivated killings. Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu was connected to the removal 100 case files and that he had used his influence to disband the task force.
The president’s office confirmed that a judicial commission of inquiry will be established to investigate the claims. The commission will examine whether senior government figures may have interfered in police work, suppressed intelligence, or personally benefited from corruption. During the inquiry, Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting Police Minister.
“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity, failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings, or benefitted financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations,” Ramaphosa said during a televised address.
Mchunu denied all accusations as unfounded and politically motivated, saying thathe welcomes the inquiry and is confident it will clear his name.
The situation sparked strong reactions in South Africa, with opposition parties calling for greater transparency and accountability. Some lawmakers are urging Parliament to launch its own investigation into the matter.
With input from Al Jazeera
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