EFF Challenges President Ramaphosa's Decision to Place Police Minister on Special Leave

Strategic Insights -

President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave has been challenged by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in a legal letter. The move comes after allegations of corruption were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The EFF contends that Ramaphosa does not have the constitutional power to place a Cabinet minister on leave of absence, instead suggesting he should relieve Mchunu of his duties. The party has given Ramaphosa until Monday to provide certain information regarding Mchunu's powers and functions during his leave, as well as the pecuniary benefits he will receive.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EFF challenged President Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave in a legal letter, citing a lack of constitutional power.
  • The EFF argues that placing Mchunu on special leave while he continues to draw a ministerial salary is an abuse of state resources.
  • The Red Berets have demanded that Ramaphosa provide information regarding Mchunu's powers and functions during his leave, as well as the pecuniary benefits he will receive.
  • The da confirmed that the criminal case they lodged against Mchunu last week is under investigation.
  • The DA's deputy Chief Whip in Parliament, Baxolile Nodada, emphasized the need for accountability and warned that commissions of inquiry might be used to delay action.
  • The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has also drafted papers for a Constitutional Court challenge against Ramaphosa's decision.

Statistics:

  • 6-12 months: The expected duration of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by Ramaphosa to investigate allegations against Mchunu.
  • 1: The date on which Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting Minister of Police.
  • Unclear: The legal action that the MKP and DA may take against Ramaphosa's decision.

Sources:

  • "The EFF has served President Cyril Ramaphosa with a legal letter challenging his decision to place embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave." - The Citizen (no date mentioned)
  • "In response, Ramaphosa established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate these allegations, which is expected to take between six to twelve months." - The Citizen (no date mentioned)
  • "The DA confirmed that police is now investigating the criminal complaint it lodged against Mchunu" - IOL (no date mentioned)
  • "Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of interfering with sensitive police investigations and colluding with businesspeople to disband the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal." - The Citizen (no date mentioned)
  • "In the letter sent by England Slabbert Attorneys on behalf of the EFF, the party highlights several points that include the lack of constitutional power." - The Citizen (no date mentioned)