President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation following allegations by the KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner of Police Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that criminal syndicates have infiltrated the countrys criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of being in constant communication with an associate who is linked to a criminal syndicate.
Ramaphosa says Professor Firoz Cachalia will be the acting Minister of Police.
Ramaphosa also says acting deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga will head a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement agencies by criminal syndicates.