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Eyewitness News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ramaphosa's manipulation of the Constitution for Senzo Mchunu empowers criminal syndicates
On Sunday, 13 July 2025, a nation held its breath as the President of the Republic of South Africa took centre stage to announce the action he would take following damning allegations made by the Commissioner of Police in KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi's now widely reported claims of corruption and capture of law enforcement by a criminal syndicate, which involves drug cartels and the complicity of senior police officials, the judiciary, parliamentarians, and Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, shook a nation which has become a victim of crime itself to the core. Ramaphosa stood in front of a nation desperate for reprieve – reprieve from hijackings, violent robberies, grotesque levels of Gender Based Violence and a youth whose recreation has become substance abuse. He stood and failed to seize the moment as we all let out a collective sigh of disappointment. Mchunu, the minister at the centre of a characterisation of South Africa as modern narco-state was placed on special leave, sent home to continue to draw a salary in peace, while our nation fears the worst and wonders how the criminal underworld which has now been exposed will respond to the brave who have dared to stand up and expose them. Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as Acting Police Minister, while the taxpayers will pay for Mchunu's vacation and time off to go and consolidate his associates in the syndicates exposed by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Invoking Section 91 (3) ( c ) of the Constitution of South Africa, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Cachalia in an interim capacity. There are critical issues and scrutiny to be raised with this appointment, for which there will be an intermediary appointment of a sitting Cabinet minister who will take up the duties and functions of the Police Minister in accordance with Section 98 of the Constitution of South Africa. The first is that in a further inexplicable bloating of the Cabinet, all in service of protecting the dignity of Mchunu, South Africa now has four Executive Members in the Ministry of Police. Mchunu remains a Minister of Police who is on an indefinite paid leave at the expense of the taxpayer, while Cachalia will act in his stead. In addition to this, there are two Deputy Ministers of Police, Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale. The second issue is what we can only describe as a manipulative interpretation and application of the Constitution to ensure the necessary loopholes are identified to allow Mchunu to retain his post, while having someone act in his position during a Commission of Inquiry into Law Enforcement. It is manipulative and possibly in bad spirit because Section 91 (3) ( c) of the Constitution of South Africa allows for the President to appoint two Ministers who are not directly elected Members of Parliament. A clear interpretation of this logically shows that this provision does not apply to the appointment of an Acting Minister who will fulfil the duties and functions of a Minister who, for one reason or another, is unable to do so. It is important at this stage to remind the nation that Senzo Mchunu is not inhibited from performing his duties due to illness or bereavement – he is unable to execute his duties because he is accused of working with criminals to undermine justice, and he disbanded the Political Killings Task Team without engaging with it or its work. Alas, it is in Section 98 of the Constitution where the delegation of duties of a minister who is unable to execute their functions (read accused of corruption) lies. It is Section 98 that, in no uncertain terms, stipulates that the President may assign the powers, duties and functions of a minister who can't execute such or is absent to another minister. Here lies the malicious use of a document hailed around the world as the best of its kind. Firoz Cachalia is not a minister and, therefore, Section 98 cannot apply to him in terms of the assignment of duties and functions of another minister. Cachalia is not appointed, if we are to read the President's official statement as a minister, but as an acting minister. Therefore, if read literally, Section 91 (3) ( c) does not apply to Cachalia's appointment as an Acting Minister of Police. The President of the Republic is therefore either surrounded by incompetent advisors, legally and otherwise, or he is surrounded by advisors so cunning that they have weaponised our Constitution to enhance ANC patronage and defend the corrupt. The loophole lies in the opportunity, or what Mbazima Shilowa refers to on the social media platform X as the 'neat' route to appoint Cachalia as a minister without any assigned functions and subsequently bestow him the functions of the Minister of Police. This could manifest itself in an appointment as a Minister in the Presidency for Cachalia, who will then be given the functions of Mchunu while Mchunu sunbathes on the balcony of Vusumuzi 'Cat' Matlala's penthouse or whatever it is that criminally accused ministers do. Is this unlawful? Absolutely not. Is it a sinister use of presidential prerogative and the Constitution of South Africa? Indisputably. What could have been a moment of strength for Ramaphosa has turned into a questionable use of the most sacred document of the land. The announcement of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry has had its own responses from a rightfully disillusioned South African public, who have witnessed administration after administration create Commissions of Inquiries whose recommendations they ignore. Aside from irresponsible jubilation by erstwhile politicians who have turned radio hosts, the only people who were left rejoicing following President Ramaphosa's address are Mchunu, Cat Matlala, Shadrack Sibiya and the cartels who are poisoning our nation using our ports and the province of Gauteng as the headquarters. It is a sad day for whistleblowers who have seen that even a Police Commissioner cannot neutralise criminals inside and outside the state, and it was yet another step backwards in the fight against corruption. Sinawo Thambo is the EFF National Spokesperson and a Member of Parliament
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Doubts surround potential probe into allegations of police corruption
Political analyst warns of systemic corruption in South Africa's police force Image: File/Archive Questions are mounting over the likelihood and sincerity of any investigation into allegations raised by KZN police head General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, amid concerns about political bias and systemic corruption. Independent political analyst Joe Mhlanga expressed scepticism about the current political climate, suggesting that entrenched interests may compromise justice. This was after Mkhwanazi made shocking claims alleging serious corruption involving a network of criminals, drug lords, police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Mhlanga pointed to the broader pattern of impunity among those aligned with the president, citing the foreign currency hidden under the couches at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm. 'We might have seen the report from the Public Protector that cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing, but if you look at the laws, laws-particularly the banking regulations, and the facts surrounding the arrest of a young woman found with over a million US dollars, the picture becomes murky," stated Mhlanga. 'She was arrested around the same time President Ramaphosa was cleared of any misconduct, despite allegations that his house contained more foreign currency than legally permissible. This raises serious questions about the integrity of these investigations.' 'There's a clear tendency for people close to him to avoid repercussions. If those around him continue to shield misconduct, it suggests that corruption is deeply rooted and unlikely to be addressed unless there's a major shift.' He further criticised the political establishment's reliance on the police and justice mechanisms to protect allies rather than uphold the rule of law. 'South African politicians seem to view the Ministry of Police as a tool to shield their own, rather than a public institution to serve justice. Appointments within the police, judiciary, and prosecutorial agencies appear based on loyalty rather than merit, making it almost impossible to hold powerful figures accountable.' Mhlanga also highlighted concerns about President Ramaphosa's pattern of appointing close allies to key positions. 'He ensures that those in critical roles, including the Chief Justice, police chiefs, and NPA officials, are aligned with him. This significantly reduces the chances of any internal investigations leading to his downfall. It's a cycle of protection that has persisted for years, with past leaders and officials similarly shielded from scrutiny.' He warned that this systemic issue is unlikely to change unless there is a deliberate effort to break the cycle. 'Given the history and current appointments, it's clear that any investigation into Mchunu's actions will likely be managed and manipulated to produce a favourable outcome for him. The whole process seems orchestrated to prevent any real accountability.' Meanwhile, the African People's Convention (APC) has commended Mkhwanazi for his courageous stance against drug syndicates and political corruption within SAPS. In a Monday statement, the APC lauded Mkhwanazi and his team for their unwavering commitment to putting citizens' safety first. 'By openly revealing that drug cartels are the cancer within SAPS, and implicating powerful political figures and parliamentarians, General Mkhwanazi demonstrates that some officers are willing to stand against corruption,' the statement read. The party highlighted concerns over allegations that the Minister of Police is involved in undermining investigations, possibly to protect vested interests. 'The reported instructions to dismantle anti-crime units and the alleged links between the Minister and questionable entities point to a systemic capture of the police service,' the APC noted. 'This jeopardises the safety of our citizens and hampers efforts to fight crime effectively.' The APC also stressed the importance of accountability. 'There must be a thorough investigation into the Minister's conduct, whether through parliamentary inquiries or a judicial commission. The serious allegations of misleading parliament and illicit funding require urgent attention.' The party's president, Themba Godi, who previously served as SCOPA chair, reaffirmed their support for officers like Mkhwanazi. 'His integrity and discipline reflect the true spirit of policing. It's time for all citizens to support those in blue who risk their lives to defend justice and fight corruption.' Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya did not respond to questions from IOL. [email protected] IOL Politics
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Police ministry denies commissioner arrest claims
The Ministry of Police has dismissed ongoing media speculation suggesting that the national commissioner of police is facing imminent arrest. In a statement issued on June 30, the ministry said it was not informed of any such developments and urged the media to refrain from publishing unverified claims that could destabilise the SAPS. 'We, as the ministry, have not been made aware of such an impending arrest. We have also noted the response from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on this speculation,' the statement read. ALSO READ: Police intensify efforts to combat GBV and secure convictions nationwide Police Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed his concern over the reports, highlighting the reputational and operational impact of such unsubstantiated narratives. 'We plead with the media to avoid any speculation on this. Speculation of this nature harms the named person also has the effect of destabilising police operations.' The South African Government News Agency ( reports that the statement comes amid growing public scrutiny over leadership within law enforcement and broader anti-corruption efforts in the public sector. While the ministry did not confirm any investigations involving the commissioner, it reiterated its support for due legal processes and responsible journalism. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
09-05-2025
- The South African
SAPS instructor arrested over alleged rape of trainee
In a shocking statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Police condemned – in the 'strongest terms' – the alleged rape of a trainee by an instructor at the SAPS Training Academy on Tuesday, 6 May. The suspect, who was swiftly arrested following the report, is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. In condemning the actions of the instructor, Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed the following: 'We welcome the swift removal and subsequent arrest of the instructor. This alleged act is not only criminal in nature, but it is a disgraceful abuse of authority and a gross violation of the trust placed in those who are meant to shape and guide the next generation of police officers. 'To prey on a young recruit who has chosen to serve our nation through the SAPS is both reprehensible and inexcusable. This incident stands in stark contrast to the values and ethics we expect of our officers. It undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day. 'The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been tasked with the matter and we urge them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served. We call for swift internal processes to be followed. 'The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message — no one is above the law.' The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has ensured that the victim receives the necessary medical care and ongoing emotional and psychological support services. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
