Presidency defends Ramaphosa's decision to establish inquiry probing law enforcement graft claims
Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa had no other option because the South African Police Service is not able to conduct an investigation into itself.
FILE: Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - The Presidency has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to establish a commission of inquiry looking into allegations of corruption within law enforcement.
Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa had no other option because the South African Police Service (SAPS) is not able to conduct an investigation into itself.
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The commission has been established to probe damning allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi claimed that there is a corruption syndicate within the country's law enforcement agencies.
Magwenya said placing Mchunu on special leave is to ensure the commission works without interference.
“The president has some room here to determine the status of ministers, and in this case, what guided him was that in the process of the inquiry with Minister Mchunu being the implicated party, he cannot be in the position, running the ministry, and providing the mandated political oversight.”
He added that in the interim, Mchunu will have no access to Cabinet clearance, including meeting minutes.
“The new minister may very well need to bring his own staff, and it'll only be fair for the new minister to be allowed to do so.”