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South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on an immediate “leave of absence” after allegations of links to organised crimes were made against him.<\/p>\n
In Sunday’s live televised speech to the nation, Ramaphosa also announced a judicial commission would probe the claims, which he said undermined the constitution and threatened national security.<\/p>\n
He added that law professor Firoz Cachalia had been appointed as interim police minister.<\/p>\n
Mchunu denied any wrongdoing, saying in a statement that he “stood ready to respond to the accusations” against him.<\/p>\n
In his speech, the president said that the allegations against Mchunu, which include interference in investigations into political killings and corruption within law enforcement agencies, “call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation”.<\/p>\n
He said the judicial commission, led by the country’s deputy chief justice, would examine all the claims.<\/p>\n
The commission will also investigate current and former police officials, as well as members of the national executive, Ramaphosa said.<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa has been under growing public pressure to act swiftly over the high-profile case.<\/p>\n
Mchunu, 67, is an influential figure in Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) party.<\/p>\n
Political analysts have suggested he could run for a leadership position at the ANC’s next elective conference in 2027.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Mchunu said: “I welcome and respect the president’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process.<\/p>\n
“Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold.”<\/p>\n