Johannesburg, South Africa
Reuters
–
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Seno Muchunu on an immediate leave Sunday following accusations that police officers had conspired with the detective syndicate and interfered in a famous investigation.
Mchunu denied the allegations by Kwazulu-Natal provincial police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at a media briefing last Sunday. He said the charges were unfounded and in a statement issued last week by his spokesman, he had pledged to support the rule of law.
Building on the promise that a rise to the highest office will fight corruption, Ramaphosa is under pressure to act quickly as allegations have been said to raise political parties and citizens question the integrity of the criminal justice system.
For many years, investors have expressed concern about ramp-prolonged crimes. The World Bank estimates an estimated 10% of gross domestic product, where South Africa’s costs are estimated annually.
“These allegations therefore call for urgent and comprehensive investigation,” Ramaphosa said in a public speech given by public broadcasters and private television stations, adding that a Judicial Committee would be established for this purpose.
Ramaphosa said law professor Firoz Kacharia will be appointed as police representative minister.
Mchunu is a senior member of the African National Congress (ANC) party in Ramaphosa, and political analysts say they can run for leadership positions at the ANC’s next election meeting in 2027.
Citing digital evidence such as WhatsApp messages, Mkhwanazi’s allegations included that Mchunu had investigated the politically motivated murder and disbanded a police force tasked with protecting politicians, police officers and others associated with the crime syndicate.
Mkhwanazi said more than 100 case files have been taken from the political killing task team and have not been investigated anymore since.
The Democratic Alliance Party, the ANC’s main coalition partner, has called for a Congressional investigation into allegations against Mchunu. At least one opposition party called for him to stop.
