South Africa's Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on immediate leave following damning allegations linking him to organised crime, the disbandment of a task force investigating political killings, and corrupt dealings with a controversial businessman.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made the dramatic announcement during a televised address to the nation on Sunday evening, citing 'grave threats' to the constitution and national security. In response, he has launched a sweeping judicial inquiry into the allegations and appointed law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.
The investigation, to be headed by the country's deputy chief justice, will examine whether Mchunu interfered with police work to protect high-ranking figures, and whether his political ambitions were bankrolled by criminal enterprises, as reported by the BBC . The scope of the probe includes both current and former police and executive officials.
'This moment demands accountability at the highest level,' Ramaphosa told the nation, as pressure mounts for his administration to clamp down on corruption and political violence within the ANC's ranks.
Mchunu 67, a senior figure in the ruling party and a possible contender for future ANC leadership, has denied all wrongdoing. 'I fully support the president's decision,' he said in a statement. 'I will cooperate with the inquiry to clear my name. I remain committed to the principles of honour and integrity.'