President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to probe alleged infiltration of South Africa’s law enforcement and justice system by criminal syndicates.
The move followed explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who alleged that a drug cartel-linked syndicate has penetrated multiple institutions, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), prison services, National Prosecuting Authority and the judiciary.
Mkhwanazi also accused Mchunu of interfering in politically sensitive investigations and disbanding a task team probing political killings.
Ramaphosa said the allegations, if proven, pose a serious threat to constitutional integrity, national security and public trust in law enforcement.
“To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation on Sunday night.
The commission is mandated to investigate the alleged facilitation of organised crime and suppression of investigations, the intimidation or removal of whistle-blowers and honest officials, the role of senior officials in enabling or ignoring criminal activity and oversight failures and legislative gaps that allowed systemic infiltration.
The inquiry will also examine whether any cabinet ministers responsible for the criminal justice system were complicit or benefited from syndicate operations.
It will have powers to recommend criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions, and institutional reforms, including suspensions of implicated officials.
Interim reports are expected within three and six months, with a final report to be submitted to the President, Speaker of the National Assembly and Chief Justice.
“In order for the commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect,” Ramaphosa said.
In the interim, legal scholar and anti-corruption advocate Firoz Cachalia will assume the role of acting police minister from August.
JN/APA