South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has ties to criminal gangs and interfered in investigations into politically motivated murders.
This comes a week after accusations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner, that the minister and other senior officials have been obstructing law enforcement operations targeting organized crime.
Despite Mchunu’s denials, the allegations have dominated headlines throughout the week, prompting calls from across the political spectrum for Ramaphosa to act.
Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect and appointed an acting police minister. The commission, headed by the country’s deputy chief justice, will investigate claims that criminal groups have infiltrated the police and other parts of the justice system.
Meanwhile, critics say Ramaphosa’s inquiry falls short, with some arguing that it allows the minister to continue drawing his full salary while consolidating his power. The opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters, criticizes Ramaphosa’s track record with inquiries.
Before Ramaphosa’s announcement, the Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, and uMkhonto weSizwe Party all filed charges against Mchunu based on Mkhwanazi’s statement.
The commission is expected to deliver its first interim report within three months and complete its work within a year.
Mchunu has denied Mkhwanazi’s claims, calling them “baseless” and has accepted Ramaphosa’s decision to place him on immediate leave, expressing full support for the process.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/south-africa-s-ramaphosa-suspends-police-minister-launches-inquiry/a-73263396?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
