South Africa President Suspends Police Minister Amid Corruption Allegations*
Who is involved?*
Cyril Ramaphosa – President
Senzo Mchunu – Police Minister (67)
Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi – KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Commissioner
Firoz Cachalia – Interim Police Minister (law professor & ANC member)
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Background of the Allegations
July 6 – Lt. Gen. Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu of receiving payments from a corruption suspect.
Mkhwanazi also alleged that Mchunu helped dismantle a police team investigating killings to protect politically connected individuals.
Mkhwanazi opened a criminal investigation against Mchunu and accused other officials of obstructing police work against organised crime.
Mkhwanazi himself is under investigation for alleged corruption in awarding a bulletproof‑vest contract.
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President’s Action
Sunday – President Ramaphosa announced the suspension of the police minister with immediate effect.
He created a “Judicial Commission of Inquiry” to investigate the alleged criminal activity.
The commission is tasked to produce reports in three months and in six months.
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Commission’s Mandate
Investigate the role of current or former senior officials in institutions that may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity.
Deliver findings within the specified timelines.
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Mchunu’s Response
Mchunu rejected the allegations as “insinuations made without evidence or due processes.”
Local media speculated that he could be a candidate from the ANC’s centrist faction to succeed Ramaphosa.
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Broader Context
South Africa ranks 82nd on the global corruption perception index of Transparency International.
The country faces endemic corruption, making the president’s speech highly anticipated after weeks of speculation.
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Key Takeaways*
President Ramaphosa suspended the police minister immediately after corruption allegations.
A judicial commission will investigate senior officials and deliver reports in three to six months.
The allegations stem from a provincial commissioner’s accusations, and the police minister denied the claims.
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