Zuma's lawyers accuse Ramaphosa of abusing Constitution

JOHANNESBURG - Lawyers representing former President Jacob Zuma have accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of abusing the Constitution in a court battle heard by the Constitutional Court.

Zuma and his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have taken Ramaphosa to court over his decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appointing Firoz Cachalia as acting minister.

The MK Party also wants the institution of a judicial commission of inquiry set aside.

Zuma’s lawyers have argued that another commission of inquiry and having two police ministers is not in the best interest of the country.

"The problem with this president is he literally wants to do what is called have your cake and eat it too. So, he wants to appoint Professor Cachalia and he wants to save Minister Mchunu... this whole maneuver is about that. How do I save my friend and close political ally, give him a salary for the next three years, five years, God knows for how long, while he's doing nothing," Dali Mpofu said.