Cape Town – A legal showdown is set for today, 30 July in the Constitutional Court as Jacob Zuma and his MK party challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.
Zuma argues Ramaphosa exceeded his constitutional powers by appointing an acting minister without removing Mchunu, who still receives full benefits.
He also disputes the legality of placing Mchunu on special leave without constitutional backing.
(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
In response, Ramaphosa says the move was necessary to preserve public trust and the integrity of law enforcement while serious allegations against Mchunu are investigated by a commission of inquiry. He defends the appointment of Cachalia, saying it is temporary (up to six months) and justified despite the costs.
Zuma further objects to the appointment of Justice Madlanga to lead the inquiry, claiming it creates a potential conflict of interest. Ramaphosa dismisses this, saying no evidence links Madlanga to the allegations.
Ramaphosa also warns that allowing direct, urgent applications like this one could overwhelm the Constitutional Court and set problematic legal precedents.
The MK party is seeking urgent relief before Cachalia assumes the role on 1 August, but Ramaphosa argues no clear case for such relief has been made.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
