Cape Town: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to address serious allegations of collusion with criminal elements within the country's police force.

According to Nam News Network, the President announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The inquiry will be led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with assistance from Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

The President made these announcements during a national address on Sunday evening, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations, which include the uncovering of a drug cartel and the involvement of various sectors such as the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors, and politicians. President Ramaphosa highlighted the potential threat these allegations pose to the Constitution, the rule of law, and national security.

The President noted that if proven true, these allegations could severely undermine public confidence in the South African Police Service's ability to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption effectively. He acknowledged the growing concern among South Africans regarding corruption and rising criminal activities, including gender-based violence, gang violence, and other forms of criminality.

With Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave, Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting Minister of Police under Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution. Professor Cachalia, a law professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, will assume his new role at the beginning of August after retiring from his current academic position at the end of July. Until then, President Ramaphosa will appoint an Acting Minister from within the Cabinet.