Cape Town – The Constitutional Court has scheduled a hearing for 30 July 2025 at 11am to consider the MK party’s urgent application — led by Jacob Zuma — challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting minister.
“Applicants must file heads of argument by Sunday, 27 July 2025, at 14h00. Respondents must file heads of argument by Monday, 28 July 2025, at 14h00,” read the court papers.
Legal arguments must be submitted by 27 and 28 July by applicants and respondents, respectively.
(1/1) CCT 206/25 Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma v President of the Republic of South Africa: The Chief Justice has issued the following directions— pic.twitter.com/zVmj1NB4ev
— Constitutional Court (@ConCourtSA) July 25, 2025
The case originates from explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025, accusing senior officials — including Mchunu — of interfering in investigations and colluding with criminal syndicates.
Ramaphosa responded by placing Mchunu on special leave, launching a judicial commission led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and appointing Cachalia as acting Police Minister from 1 August 2025, with Gwede Mantashe stepping in temporarily.
Mchunu denied the allegations, but critics, including the MK Party, argued Ramaphosa’s actions were weak and politically protective.
The MK Party filed an urgent application at the Constitutional Court seeking to:
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Overturn Mchunu’s special leave, calling it an unlawful paid suspension.
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Invalidate Cachalia’s appointment.
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Declare the judicial commission unconstitutional.
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Force Ramaphosa to issue new decisions within 15 days.
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Halt all current actions until the court rules.
They also accused Ramaphosa of bias due to his political ties to Mchunu, claimed misconduct in the handling of the Phala Phala farm robbery investigation, and challenged the legality of the judicial probe into “judicial capture”.
In contrast, Ramaphosa defends his actions, saying the Constitution allows the president discretion in managing ministers, especially when serious allegations — like those made by Mkhwanazi — warrant investigation.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
