Commission to probe police corruption allegations

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on a leave of absence

- SIMON MAJADIBODU and SIYAVUYA MZANTSI

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa last night announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate serious corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

"These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa's address came a week after Mkhwanazi publicly accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in criminal investigations and protecting corrupt networks within law enforcement.

In the interim, Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Cachalia, currently a law professor and chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, will take up the post officially in August.

An acting minister from within the Cabinet will serve until then.

He appointed Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead the inquiry, assisted by senior counsels Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo.

He said the commission will investigate claims that criminal networks have infiltrated law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and other elements of the justice system.

Areas of focus include the facilitation of organised crime, manipulation of investigations, and targeting of whistleblowers and officials.