South Africa's Ramaphosa removes police minister over criminal link allegations

3 days ago

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will appoint law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister of police. (AP pic)
JOHANNESBURG : South African President Cyril Ramaphosa placed police minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave of absence on Sunday, following accusations by a top police official that he had colluded with a criminal syndicate and interfered in high-profile investigations.
Mchunu denied the allegations by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, police commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal province, at a media briefing last Sunday. He said the accusations were baseless and in a statement issued by his spokesperson last week said he was committed to upholding the rule of law.
Ramaphosa, whose rise to the highest office was built on promises to fight corruption, has been under pressure to act swiftly as political parties and citizens said the allegations called into question the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Investors have for years expressed concern over rampant crime that the World Bank estimates costs South Africa an estimated 10% of gross domestic product each year.
'These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation,' Ramaphosa said in a public address which was carried by the public broadcaster and private TV stations, adding he would establish a judicial commission of inquiry for this purpose.
Ramaphosa said he will appoint law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister of police.
Mchunu is a senior figure in Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) party, and political analysts have said he could run for a leadership position at the ANC's next elective conference in 2027.
Citing digital evidence such as WhatsApp messages, Mkhwanazi's allegations included that Mchunu had disbanded a police unit tasked with investigating politically motivated killings to protect politicians, police officers and other people linked to a criminal syndicate.
Mkhwanazi said more than 100 case files were taken away from the political killings task team and have not been investigated further since.
The Democratic Alliance party, the ANC's main coalition partner, called for a parliamentary inquiry into the allegations against Mchunu. At least one opposition party has called for his suspension.

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New Police Chief Says Respects Rights To Peaceful Assembly

BusinessToday

2 hours ago

BusinessToday

New Police Chief Says Respects Rights To Peaceful Assembly

Police respect the people's right to assemble peacefully and express their views, in line with the Federal Constitution and the democratic values practised in the country, said Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. He said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would do its part to ensure tomorrow's rally at Dataran Merdeka is held in a safe and orderly manner. 'In that spirit, PDRM is committed to facilitating this rally to ensure it takes place smoothly, safely and with respect for shared public spaces,' he said in a statement today. Khalid said the cooperation of all parties is greatly appreciated to ensure a harmonious atmosphere is maintained throughout the gathering. He also advised rally participants to be mindful of existing legal provisions and to help preserve peace and security in the surrounding areas. 'It is our hope that every voice expressed will be conveyed in a respectful manner, grounded in the values of courtesy and the social norms of Malaysian society,' he said. Khalid also advised people not directly involved in the rally to plan their journeys and check traffic updates to avoid any inconvenience or delays. 'In carrying out our responsibility to maintain national security, PDRM assures the people that public safety will continue to be safeguarded, while at the same time, the rights and freedoms of the people will be respected. 'We believe a balance between democratic rights and the rule of law can be achieved through close cooperation and a shared sense of responsibility,' he said. Khalid also expressed appreciation for the public's trust in PDRM and called on all parties to act with prudence and maturity. 'Let us work together to ensure that every democratic space available is used positively, for the sake of maintaining harmony and the well-being of society as a whole,' he said. On July 18, acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad was reported as saying that organisers had notified the Dang Wangi police headquarters of the rally. He said over 2,000 personnel will be deployed for security control during the rally. Related

[UPDATED] IGP: Police to facilitate peaceful assembly at Dataran Merdeka

New Straits Times

9 hours ago

New Straits Times

[UPDATED] IGP: Police to facilitate peaceful assembly at Dataran Merdeka

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