President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has not fired Senzo Mchunu as Police Minister immediately because the allegations against him are still untested and it would therefore be unfair.
Mchunu, whom Ramaphosa has placed on leave of absence, faces allegations of interfering with sensitive South African Police Service SAPS investigations.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has also accused him of colluding with a criminal syndicate to disband the Political Killings Task Team.
Ramaphosa defends Senzo Mchunus leave of absenceRamaphosas decision to place Mchunu on leave of absence has sparked strong opposition from various political parties who demand Mchunus immediate removal.
The Economic Freedom Fighters and uMkhonto weSizwe MK Party have also threatened to challenge the decision in court.
However, presenting the Presidency Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday 16 July, Ramaphosa said while the allegations against Mchunu are serious, they are also untested.
It is therefore necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can ensure accountability and safeguard public confidence in the police service, he explained.
The President said it was therefore strange that some have strongly opposed the establishment of a commission of inquiry , which he announced on Sunday 13 July.
Some have said that I should take immediate punitive steps against the Minister on the basis of untested allegations. Not only would this be unfair, but it would create a dangerous precedent. The commission should be allowed to do its work, he added.
Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga will chair the commission, with Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC assisting him.