MK Party sends Ramaphosa ultimatum over decision to appoint interim police minister

CAPE TOWN - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has sent President Cyril Ramaphosa an ultimatum: retract his decision to appoint an interim police minister or face a legal challenge.

The party believes the decision is unconstitutional.

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On Sunday night, Ramaphosa placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and announced that Wits law professor Firoz Cachalia will act in the role from August.

This is while a commission of inquiry investigates allegations of corruption within the police.

Ramaphosa invoked Section 93 of the Constitution, allowing him to select two outsiders to serve in ministerial positions, to appoint Firoz Cachalia as the interim police minister.

But the MK Party said, read with Section 98 of the Constitution, this provision cannot be used to make an interim appointment.

“We are seeking legal advice in order to challenge these announced decisions. In the meantime, we call on Ramaphosa to withdraw his decisions by no later than 10am Wednesday, 16 July, failing which we will take our fight to the courts, the Parliament and if needs be, to the street,” said MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela.

Like the majority of political parties in Parliament, the MK Party is not in favour of a commission of inquiry to investigate the claims of infiltration and collusion within the South African Police Service (SAPS), saying it’s political patronage to protect Ramaphosa from facing charges related to the Phala Phala scandal.

The party said it has mandated its parliamentary caucus to table a motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa.