The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on “special leave” amid mounting allegations of corruption and political interference.
The party argues that the move is a constitutional violation and an attempt to protect Mchunu from accountability.
Party Slams ‘Unlawful’ Acting Appointment
The EFF also rejected Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint an acting police minister who is not a sitting Cabinet member.
The party argued that this contravenes Section 98 of the Constitution, which allows only a current minister to act in another’s place.
The President’s reliance on Section 91(3)(c), which allows for up to two ministers from outside the National Assembly, does not apply to acting appointments, the party claimed.
“The decision is not just unlawful, but a deliberate abuse of the Constitution,” the statement said.
Accusations of Abuse of State Resources
According to the EFF, placing Mchunu on special leave allows him to continue drawing a ministerial salary while an unlawfully appointed acting minister inflates the Cabinet.
The party claims this constitutes an abuse of public funds and an effort to shield Mchunu from scrutiny while he allegedly influences police operations from behind the scenes.
Mchunu Accused of Disbanding Political Killings Task Team
The EFF cited recent allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of ordering the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
The unit investigated over 600 politically motivated killings and secured more than 100 convictions.
Authorities shut it down without approval from either the national or provincial police commissioners.
The disbandment allegedly led to the withdrawal of more than 120 dockets related to political assassinations and organised crime, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
EFF Alleges Links to SAPS Tender Beneficiary
The party further accused Mchunu of colluding with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a tender beneficiary and alleged criminal, who reportedly funded ANC political activities.
The EFF also linked Mchunu to interference in procurement processes and an alleged attempt to suspend Mkhwanazi.
“These actions show that Mchunu is not a custodian of law, but a protector of lawlessness,” the party said.
EFF Demands Full Accountability
The EFF insisted that Mchunu should be removed from office, arrested, and prosecuted.
The party called on Parliament to establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations, including those implicating political figures, SAPS members, and elements within the judiciary.
“This is not the first time we have warned of criminal syndicates within the ANC,” the EFF stated. “The organisation has become a mafia that protects gangsters and silences accountability.”
Should government remove Minister Mchunu from office pending an investigation, or is placing him on special leave enough?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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