The African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday expressed full confidence in the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police and defended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into allegations made against the police and its Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Following the public outcry on the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on an immediate leave of absence, appointing Cachalia to act in the position from August.

Mkhwanazi made allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance, specifically accusing Mchunu of unilaterally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and redirecting 121 active investigation dockets to the office of National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, where they have allegedly been neutralised.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Ramaphosa’s move to place Mchunu on a leave of absence was “commendable”, describing it as a “proactive and considered” measure.

“…importantly, this decision does not imply guilt or prejudgment, it is a step that preserves the integrity of both the Executive and the investigation itself. The President has acted in full accordance with his constitutional authority, as provided in Section 91(2) of the Constitution, to appoint and relieve members of the Cabinet,” he said.

However, opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), have criticised Cachalia’s appointment, claiming that it is not constitutionally sound, with the MKP threatening legal action against Ramaphosa, should he not withdraw his announcement by Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Mbalula noted Cachalia’s “experience and credibility”.

“His deep understanding of the security sector and his proven commitment to clean governance position him to provide the leadership required at this moment. We wish him strength and resolve as he assumes this responsibility during a critical period,” he said.

CONSTITUTIONALISM

Mbalula said his party viewed the commissions of inquiry as “essential instruments in the pursuit of justice, truth, and reform”, when existing institutions were compromised.

The commission of inquiry into Mkhwanazi’s allegations will be chaired by acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi and Advocate Sandile Khumalo.

Ramaphosa assured that the Commission would have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution.

Mbalula said despite significant costs associated with such commissions, citing the Zondo Commission into Allegations of State Capture, they yielded substantial returns.

“…over R14-billion in assets frozen, R5.4-billion recovered, and more than 60 individuals and entities facing criminal prosecution [owing to the State Capture Commission]. The Nugent Commission triggered a renewal at South African Revenue Service (Sars) and exposed private sector complicity in undermining State capacity. These Commissions have not only exposed wrongdoing but have informed meaningful legislative and structural reforms,” he argued.

Opposition parties have expressed scepticism at the establishment of the commission, with the GOOD Party suggesting Ramaphosa must instead empower the Special Investigating Unit to conduct a “swift, independent” probe under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

ActionSA said it saw no logic in yet another commission of inquiry carrying out work that law enforcement and agencies such as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate should be doing.

Mbalula said this was not a moment for complacency, nor was it a time for political theatre.

“…it is a time for principled leadership, for renewal in action, and for a reaffirmation of the values that underpin the liberation movement’s commitment to building a capable, developmental, and ethical State,” he said.

He defended Ramaphosa staying the course of constitutionalism under intense political pressure.

“He has not resorted to populist shortcuts or destructive purges. Instead, he has chosen the harder but ultimately more sustainable path of rebuilding public institutions, brick by brick, law by law, reform by reform. His approach is not driven by the need for applause but by the imperative of transformation and accountability within the bounds of legality,” Mbalula said.

He urged the public, commentators, and political parties to exercise restraint and to respect the constitutional process, saying the commission must be allowed to conduct its work thoroughly, independently, and without fear or favour.