• President Cyril Ramaphosa suspends Police Minister Senzo Mchunu amid serious corruption allegations.
• A judicial commission will investigate claims of corruption and involvement with organized crime.
• Mchunu denies allegations, claiming they are baseless and insists on cooperating with the inquiry.
• Opposition parties criticize the president's decision, demanding more decisive action against corruption.
• New acting minister appointed as Ramaphosa aims to restore confidence in law enforcement.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu following serious allegations linking him to organized crime. These claims were initiated by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who publicly accused Mchunu of colluding with criminal syndicates and interfering with sensitive law enforcement investigations, particularly those related to political killings. Ramaphosa stated, “In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr. Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect” according to Reuters, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

In a special televised address, Ramaphosa announced the formation of a judicial commission to probe the allegations of Mchunu's involvement in corruption and interference with police operations. The commission will examine the roles of current and former senior officials and investigate whether they aided or benefited from the alleged criminal activities. The inquiry must address urgent issues concerning the rule of law and national security, as underscored by Ramaphosa's statement that “The allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the Constitution” according to Africa News and NPR.

Mchunu has firmly denied the allegations and referred to them as “insinuations made without evidence or due processes.” He is regarded as a significant figure within the African National Congress (ANC) party, often speculated to be a potential successor to Ramaphosa. He expressed his commitment to cooperating fully with the inquiry to clear his name, affirming that “Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to” according to Reuters and India Times.

The response to Ramaphosa’s actions has been mixed, with many opposition parties criticizing the president for not taking more decisive measures, arguing that placing Mchunu on leave simply delays accountability. Critics emphasize the urgency of the situation, particularly regarding rising concerns about crime and corruption within South African law enforcement agencies. The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second-largest political party, expressed disappointment, stating that “these allegations provided the President with an opportunity to show bold and firm leadership” as reported by Africa News and NPR.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, a law professor, has been appointed to oversee the police department during this turbulent time. The newly formed inquiry aims to deliver its initial findings within three months, with comprehensive reports anticipated by year's end, thereby putting significant pressure on the government to quickly restore public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions according to BBC, Africa News, and India Times.