Cyril Ramaphosa defends decision NOT to fire Senzo Mchunu

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision not to dismiss Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who remains on special leave with full pay and ministerial benefits while the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues its work.

Ramaphosa has come under criticism following the release of the commission’s interim report into allegations of police misconduct and corruption.

Decision guided by due process

Critics have questioned why Mchunu was not included among officials against whom action was announced, despite the report’s findings.

Speaking to the media during an oversight visit to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) National Command Centre in Brooklyn, Pretoria, this week, Cyril Ramaphosa said his decision was guided by due process and the ongoing nature of the inquiry.

“The Madlanga Commission issued an interim report and I have studied it and I have accepted the recommendations, and the work of the commission continues,” Ramaphosa said.

He acknowledged public concern specifically around the police minister but stressed that a final decision would only be taken once the commission completes its mandate.

“I know people have specifically asked about Minister Mchunu, and I have said I am waiting for that process to be completed, and it’s going to be completed in three months,” he said.

Interim findings not final outcome

Ramaphosa emphasised that the interim findings should not be interpreted as the final outcome of the inquiry, adding that he remains committed to implementing the commission’s recommendations in full.

“I am not going to let the Madlanga recommendations not be implemented,” the president said.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service.

Its final report is expected to be submitted within the next three months, after which the president is expected to outline further actions against implicated individuals.