Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision not to take punitive steps against suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, stating that the allegations against him are untested.
Ramaphosa was responding to KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations that Mchunu is connected to criminal gangs.
Speaking in the National Assembly during his budget vote on Wednesday, the president emphasised the importance of due process and justified the establishment of a commission of inquiry into claims of corruption and interference in the police service.
“These allegations are serious. They are also untested,” he said.
[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says allegations levelled against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu by KZN police head Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are serious, but remain untested. He adds that immediate punitive steps against Mchunu would be unfair and create a dangerous precedent.… pic.twitter.com/ONZkwSQpIT
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“It is therefore necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can ensure accountability and safeguard public confidence in the police service.”
He rejected criticism that commissions of inquiry are ineffective, noting that they serve to uncover facts and ensure accountability.
Ramaphosa warned that firing Mchunu without verified evidence would be unfair and set a dangerous precedent.
