Mkhwebane Slams Ramaphosa Over SAPS Inquiry

Former Public Protector and Umkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) Mpumalanga convenor, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, has strongly criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and establish a commission of inquiry into law enforcement agencies.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Mkhwebane accused Ramaphosa of misusing state resources, saying that the funds spent on the commission could be better allocated toward improving the South African Police Service (SAPS), especially in under-resourced provinces like Mpumalanga.

“You put a minister on special leave why not remove the minister, because the president has the powers to do that immediately. Why waste resources?” she said. Mkhwebane also raised concerns about the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia, a legal academic and chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, as acting minister of police.

“He’s a director of Corruption Watch, funded by foreign backers like George Soros. I think he is putting the country deep, deep into trouble,” she added.

While some welcomed Mchunu’s special leave, the commission itself has drawn sharp criticism. Analysts told IOL that the commission could end up being another costly and inconclusive process, similar to the Zondo Commission on State Capture.

Ramaphosa appointed Professor Cachalia as acting police minister until the commission concludes its work. A seasoned legal expert and former anti-apartheid activist, Cachalia is expected to take up the role in August.

Mkhwebane warned that the move undermines Chapter 9 institutions and accused the president of holding the country in “suspense” with inquiries that offer recommendations but lack enforcement.