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Mchunu says Ramaphosa must decide his fate as fallout over Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi’s claims grows

Zohra Teke|Published

UNDER FIRE: Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu

Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers

National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he will not step aside voluntarily amid explosive allegations from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi — instead, he is leaving his fate in the hands of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“I will be guided by what the president decides, and he is applying his mind,” Mchunu told IOL in a brief interview.

“It would not be fair for me to prejudge the process, as there are many aspects to this matter. I prefer to reserve my comments for now and allow the president to pronounce on what will happen next,” he said calmly, amid a storm sparked by Mkhwanazi’s accusations — including claims of Mchunu’s links to drug cartels.

Mkhwanazi’s bombshell revelations follow months of unheeded allegations of corruption and previous submissions to Parliament’s police portfolio committee. The issue gained renewed traction after Mkhwanazi’s media exposé over the weekend.

With the country reeling from claims of deep-rooted capture of the police, security and judiciary sectors by criminal networks, calls are mounting for Ramaphosa to act decisively. The Public Servants Association (PSA), South Africa’s largest public sector union with more than 245,000 members, has joined the chorus.

“Mchunu should do the honourable thing and step aside to save the country further embarrassment,” PSA general manager Reuben Maleka told IOL. “You cannot have someone in such a senior role facing serious allegations that threaten our national security.”

Maleka added that the PSA would support Mkhwanazi in the country’s highest court if there was any attempt to suspend or remove him for speaking out. “He is a whistle-blower, and whistle-blowers get killed or silenced. He took the country into his confidence, and we must stand with him. There are still brave men and women in blue who are willing to risk everything to protect us.”

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said there was no basis to suspend Mchunu, as he had not been criminally charged. However, he acknowledged the seriousness of the claims and said the president needed to respond swiftly.

While political parties are backing Mkhwanazi and demanding Mchunu’s suspension, Ramaphosa — widely seen as close to Mchunu — has yet to make his position known.

Parliament is expected to debate the matter, with Mkhwanazi likely to be called to give evidence under oath.

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