COSATU joins calls for establishing inquiry into corruption allegations against police, judiciary

CAPE TOWN - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has joined calls for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into allegations of corruption levelled against the police and judiciary.

The union federation said the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi linking Minister Senzo Mchunu to the criminal underworld are too serious and undermine confidence in law enforcement.

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COSATU's call followed a similar call by Police Portfolio Committee chairperson Ian Cameron, who also wants an independent probe.

Cameron on Monday gave a list of suggestions on how to get to the bottom of the allegations made by Mkhwanazi, which includes lifestyle audits of all senior police.

“Some of the following immediate solutions could be considered and this is specifically regarding the integrity challenges within the South African Police.

"The first one is an appointment of some kind of an ad hoc inquiry or commission with a clear timeline to investigate the allegations.”

COSATU parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks said given the “grave nature of the allegations”, the federation also urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an independent commission of inquiry.

He said while South Africans may be wary of another inquiry, the nature of the allegations “cannot be left unattended and would best be done by an independent inquiry”.

Parks also said the federation supports Ramaphosa’s appeal for calm as he returns from Brazil to attend to the matter.