ANC backs Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister amid corruption claims

President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence has been defended by the ANC, which also expressed full confidence in the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. 

Taking over as acting minister from August, Wits University law professor Cachalia replaces Mchunu, who faces allegations of corruption and malfeasance from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mchunu was allegedly influenced by individuals outside the police force, specifically controversial Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and his associate Brown Mogotsi, according to Mkhwanazi, who claimed Mchunu had ties with these individuals.

According to Mkhwanazi, a drug cartel's syndicate, involving politicians, businesspeople, and officials from law enforcement (police, metro police, correctional services), prosecution, and the judiciary, has been exposed by a police investigation.

While ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said that the party welcomed Ramaphosa's decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations against Mchunu, some senior members of the party have questioned the step-aside rule and its effectiveness saying it only applies to some while others it has not applied.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Mbalula said his party wished Cachalia strength and resolve as he assumes this responsibility during a critical period.

Mbalula defended Ramaphosa's choice to appoint Cachalia, citing his experience and credibility as essential for leading the police ministry.

Mbalula stated that Cachalia's "deep understanding of the security sector and his proven commitment to clean governance position him to provide the leadership required at this moment".

Mbalula stated that the ANC supported the establishment of the commission of inquiry, considering it a vital tool for achieving justice, truth, and reform. 

He emphasised that the commission should be permitted to carry out its duties comprehensively, impartially, and without bias or intimidation.

Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will chair a commission tasked with investigating allegations of corruption and malfeasance within the police service. President Ramaphosa guaranteed the commission's authority to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and prompt prosecution decisions.

However, senior members of the ANC are questioning why the step-aside rule does not apply to suspended Mchunu. 

The rule requires members of the party who are facing serious allegations to step aside from their positions.

The rule has seen some ANC officials having to vacate office until they were cleared of any wrongdoing. 

Former ANC spokespeople Pule Mabe and Zizi Kodwa have had to step aside after appearing in court for various charges.

Former Limpopo Treasurer, Danny Msiza, has also had to step aside from organisational duties after he was found to be a kingpin in the VBS saga where R2.3 billion was looted from the now-defunct bank.

The senior member, who can't be named for fear of reprisals, said there was commotion among ANC corridors in Luthuli House because some felt Ramaphosa was selective in the application of the step-aside rule.

The official believes Ramaphosa should have asked Mchunu and others who have been hogging the news for all the wrong reasons recently.

Human Settlement minister Thembi Simelane, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni and Mchunu have all been in the spotlight recently after corruption allegations, however, have not stepped aside because they are seen as the president’s allies.

“Comrades should revisit this step-aside rule and unpack it properly because it does not apply to some. What is the reason for the Minister (Mchunu) not to resign?” asked the official.

He added that Cachalia’s appointment was also questionable because he was outside of the executive.

Mbalula, who did not entertain the step-aside rule during the conference, said that Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on leave is a proactive and considered measure. 

"It is a step that preserves the integrity of both the Executive and the investigation itself," said Mbalula.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za