South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate “stolen leave” due to serious allegations linking him to organized crime. In a televised address, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Law Professor Firoz Kacharia as interim police minister and confirmed that the Judiciary Committee will conduct an investigation into Mchunu’s alleged misconduct, which includes interference in investigations of political killings and corruption in law enforcement.
Mchunu denied the allegations, stating he is ready to address the accusations. The Judicial Committee, led by the assistant judge, will investigate current and former police officers as well as members of the national executive. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for a swift response to high-profile cases.
The allegations, originally reported by KwaZulu-Natal State Police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, claim that Mchunu received financial support from corrupt businessmen for his political activities. Mkhwanazi indicated that the disbandment of a task force investigating political murders was orchestrated by Mchunu, who dismissed it as ineffective despite unresolved cases.
Mkhwanazi also accused Mchunu of improperly removing a total of 121 case files from police records without proper authorization. Citing a connection with controversial businessmen, Mkhwanazi provided evidence that one businessman had financially supported Mchunu’s political initiatives prior to his arrest for attempted murder.
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