Analysts yawn at latest commission

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appointed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe his alleged meddling in police work.

- WILLEM PHUNGULA

In addressing the nation last night, Ramaphosa said that after the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made revelations that Mchunu had allegedly interfered with police work and colluded with business people in circumventing police investigations, he has decided to place him on special leave.

Analysts on various media platforms said the announcement of Mchunu being placed on special leave was underwhelming and lacking decisiveness, given the serious nature of the allegations that were raised.

The president also announced that the commission will be chaired by the Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who is due for retirement at the end of the month, which will enable him to focus on the job at hand.

The president also announced that Professor Firoz Cachalia will act as Police Minister at the beginning of the next month and an acting minister of police will be appointed to act until Cachallia takes over in the new month.