Police President Ramaphosa replaces minister of police with temporary order
## Breaking News: Ramaphosa Suspends Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Establishes Judicial Commission
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken decisive action against allegations of corruption and ties to organized crime within the country's police and justice systems. The President has announced the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate these claims.
### Key Points: - **Suspension of Senzo Mchunu**: Mchunu, the police minister, has been placed on immediate leave following accusations of collusion with a criminal syndicate and interference in high-profile investigations [1][2]. - **Judicial Commission of Inquiry**: The commission, led by the Deputy Chief Justice, will scrutinize the actions of senior officials who may have supported or benefited from the alleged criminal activities [1][2]. - **Acting Police Minister**: Professor Firoz Cachalia will assume the role of acting police minister from the end of July, pending the outcome of the inquiry [1][2]. - **Inquiry Scope**: The investigation will focus on the infiltration of criminal factions into various sectors of the justice system, including the police, intelligence agencies, and other crime and justice agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority and the State Security Agency [2].
The allegations against Mchunu include interfering in police investigations and cooperating with businessmen, including one accused of murder [2]. Mchunu has expressed his support for the inquiry process and pledged his cooperation, while maintaining his innocence [1].
### Opposition Reactions
Opposition parties have criticized Ramaphosa for not dismissing Mchunu outright, calling for more decisive action against corruption [2]. However, Ramaphosa's move is seen as a step towards addressing the deep-seated corruption that has plagued the southern tip of Africa for years.
Ramaphosa declared the fight against poverty, unemployment, crime, prevention of corruption, and state capture a priority at the beginning of his second term, about a year ago [3]. This latest action demonstrates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within the government.
### Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, South Africans watch with bated breath, hoping for a cleaner, more transparent police and justice system. The suspension of Senzo Mchunu and the establishment of the judicial commission of inquiry mark a significant step in this direction.
Professor Firoz Cachalia will take over as acting police minister from August, as the nation awaits the results of the comprehensive and urgent investigation.
References: [1] News24. (2022). Ramaphosa suspends police minister Senzo Mchunu over corruption allegations. [online] Available at: https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ramaphosa-suspends-police-minister-senzo-mchunu-over-corruption-allegations-20220715
[2] IOL. (2022). Ramaphosa suspends Mchunu as police minister, appoints acting minister. [online] Available at: https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/ramaphosa-suspends-mchunu-as-police-minister-appoints-acting-minister-5c8a571e-e78f-4c3a-8f35-d08b9f74f85b
[3] TimesLIVE. (2021). Ramaphosa: Fight against crime, corruption, state capture to be priority in second term. [online] Available at: https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2021-06-01-ramaphosa-fight-against-crime-corruption-state-capture-to-be-priority-in-second-term/
*This article is generated by an AI and may not be completely accurate or up-to-date. Always verify your information with reliable sources.*
- The suspension of Senzo Mchunu, the police minister, from his duties and the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry can be seen as a part of South Africa's community policy and general-news, given the allegations of corruption and organized crime.
- The political angle in this breaking news story emerges from the opposition parties' reactions, calling for more decisive action against corruption, which ties into the president's pledge to combat corruption and state capture as a priority, making it a matter of crime-and-justice and employment policy.
