South African President Cyril Ramaphosa immediately placed Police Minister Senzo McHunu on immediate “leave” after allegations of organized crime with him.
During a live TV transfer on Sunday, Ramaphosa also announced that the Judiciary Committee would investigate the demands, which he said undermines the Constitution and threatens national security.
Law professor Firoz Cachalia was appointed interim police minister, he added.
McNunu denied any misconduct, saying in a statement that he was “prepared to respond to his allegations.”
The president said in his speech that the allegations against McNu included intervention in investigations of political killings and corruption within law enforcement agencies, “a call for an emergency, comprehensive investigation.”
He said the Judicial Committee, led by the country’s deputy chief justice, will review all claims.
Ramaphosa said the committee will also investigate current and former police officers and members of state executives.
Ramaphosa is increasingly under pressure from the public to act quickly in high-profile cases.
McHunu, 67, is an influential figure in the African National Congress (ANC) party of Ramaphosa.
Political analysts suggest he can run for leadership at the next ANC elective meeting in 2027.
“I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process,” McHunu said in a statement.
“Honor and integrity are virtues that I personally agree on and we all need to work hard to maintain.”
The allegations were originally made public by KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
He claimed McHunu was getting financial support from an alleged corrupt businessman to fund his “political efforts.”
General Mkhwanazi also detailed a series of events he claimed that led to the “well-planned” dissolution of the working group established in 2018 to investigate the killing of politicians, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
He said the team’s investigation found connections to high-profile people, including politicians, police and businessmen linked to the drug cartel group – which is why the team was disbanded.
When he disbanded the department earlier this year, McNunu said that while many cases have not been resolved, it has not added value to the province.
According to General Mkhwanazi, a total of 121 case files were allegedly removed from the department under the instructions of the minister, without authorization from his boss, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
“Since March, these case terminals have been sitting at headquarters [effect] Arrest,” General Mkwanazi said.
He also claimed McHunu had ties to a controversial businessman who “financially supported” the minister’s political career.
Vusimuzi Matlala signed a profitable contract with the police before being arrested in May for attempted murder. General Mkhwanazi shared a copy of the text message and the alleged payments paid by Mr. Matlala to prove this.
