ANC divided on Cachalia as acting police minister

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence has been defended by some in the ANC, who also expressed full confidence in the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

Taking over as acting minister from August, Wits University law professor Cachalia replaces Mchunu, who faces allegations of corruption and malfeasance from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mchunu was allegedly influenced by individuals outside the police force, specifically controversial Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and his associate Brown Mogotsi, according to Mkhwanazi, who claimed Mchunu had ties with these individuals.

While ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party welcomed Ramaphosa's decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations against Mchunu, some senior members of the party have questioned the step-aside rule and its effectiveness, saying it only applied to some.