— South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision to retain suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave amidst serious allegations. Ramaphosa confirmed in a televised address on Thursday evening that he personally ordered Mchunu to step aside while an investigation into unspecified allegations is underway.
The president emphasized that the move to place Mchunu on special leave is to ensure the integrity of the inquiry, with officials yet to disclose the nature or number of allegations being reviewed. Mchunu, who has not been formally charged, remains suspended from his duties.
The South African Police Service has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, while Mchunu’s spokesperson referred questions to the presidency. Mchunu will continue to receive his ministerial salary during the leave period, with Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo taking over all police-related decisions.
Ramaphosa gave no timeline for concluding the investigation, but assured that outcomes would be made public once due process is completed. The presidency has insisted on contingency plans to mitigate any potential impact on crime-fighting operations during the period of Mchunu’s absence.
Source: iol
