EFF says special leave protects Mchunu from accountability
EFF rejects Mchunu’s special leave, calls for his removal and arrest over disbanded police unit and alleged protection of crime syndicate.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa for placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on “special leave,” amid growing allegations of corruption and political interference.
The party claims Ramaphosa violated the Constitution and is shielding Mchunu from accountability.
Party Slams ‘Unlawful’ Acting Appointment
The EFF also criticised Ramaphosa for appointing an acting police minister who isn’t a sitting Cabinet member. The party argued this violates Section 98 of the Constitution, which permits only a current minister to act in another’s place.
They added that the President’s use of Section 91(3)(c), which allows up to two ministers from outside the National Assembly, doesn’t apply to acting appointments.
“The decision is not just unlawful, but a deliberate abuse of the Constitution,” the statement said.
Accusations of Abuse of State Resources
The EFF argues that placing Mchunu on special leave lets him keep receiving a ministerial salary while an unlawfully appointed acting minister adds to the size of Cabinet.
The party accuses the government of misusing public funds and claims the move is meant to protect Mchunu from scrutiny while he allegedly continues to influence police operations behind the scenes.
Mchunu Accused of Disbanding Political Killings Task Team
The EFF highlighted recent allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of ordering the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
The unit had investigated over 600 politically motivated killings and secured more than 100 convictions. Authorities shut it down without approval from either the national or provincial police commissioners.
The disbandment reportedly led to the withdrawal of more than 120 dockets linked to political assassinations and organised crime, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
EFF Alleges Links to SAPS Tender Beneficiary
The party further accused Mchunu of colluding with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a tender beneficiary and alleged criminal, who reportedly funded ANC political activities.
The EFF also linked Mchunu to interference in procurement processes and an alleged attempt to suspend Mkhwanazi.
“These actions show that Mchunu is not a custodian of law, but a protector of lawlessness,” the party said.
EFF Demands Full Accountability
The EFF demanded that authorities remove Mchunu from office, arrest him, and pursue prosecution. The party also urged Parliament to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations, which implicate political figures, SAPS officials, and parts of the judiciary.
“This is not the first time we have warned of criminal syndicates within the ANC,” the EFF stated. “The organisation has become a mafia that protects gangsters and silences accountability.”