MK Party challenges Ramaphosa’s decision to suspend Mchunu for third time

The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party's battle against President Cyril Ramaphosa over his decision to suspend Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is back in the Pretoria High Court.

The party and its leader, former President Jacob Zuma, are challenging Ramaphosa's appointment of Firoz Cachalia as the acting Police Minister after placing Mchunu on special leave.

The MK Party is approaching the court for a third time, after failed attempts in the Constitutional Court and the High Court.

Ramaphosa made the changes to his executive in July after an explosive press briefing by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Arguing on behalf of the MK Party, Advocate Dali Mpofu said Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on a leave of absence is unlawful.

“On the cases that we rely on, it is quite clear that relief of absence, by definition, is not something that can be imposed on a person. It is granted not placed.”