South Africa’s Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has been suspended with immediate effect by President Cyril Ramaphosa following explosive allegations of corruption and interference in police investigations.

The claims, made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, include suggestions that Mchunu accepted payments from a suspect and dismantled a specialised unit investigating politically-motivated killings.

Over 100 case files linked to that team reportedly remain uninvestigated.

Mchunu has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “insinuations made without evidence or due processes” and pledging to cooperate fully with the inquiry.

Ramaphosa, under mounting pressure to act decisively, announced the formation of a judicial commission to examine the role of senior officials – past and present – who may have facilitated criminal activity or failed to act on intelligence. Interim findings are due in three months.

Law professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed acting police minister.

“Instead, he calls for a commission of inquiry and expects South Africans to be patient when people are dying on a daily basis,” said uMkhonto weSizwe Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, echoing opposition parties’ criticism of the president for opting for suspension over dismissal.

Mchunu, 67, is considered a potential leadership contender for the African National Congress ahead of the party’s 2027 elective conference.

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