Who Is Firoz Cachalia? Is he qualified?

As the country prepares for a commission of inquiry into explosive allegations against police minister Senzo Mchunu, President Cyril Ramaphosa has handed the reins of the police department to law professor Firoz Cachalia.

- Faizel Patel

Ramaphosa appointed Cachalia as acting police minister on Sunday night following his decision to place Mchunu on an immediate "leave of absence" after allegations of links to organised crime.

With Cachalia expected to take over the reins of the police department, here are a few things you need to know about him.

Cachalia, born in Benoni on 22 July, 1958, is a globally regarded scholar, professor of law at Wits University and director of the Mandela Institute.

His expertise spans constitutional law and other areas of specialisation.