ANC grants Senzo Mchunu special leave amid corruption investigation

THE AFRICAN National Congress (ANC) has granted suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu special leave from party activities as he faces a corruption probe and prepares to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

IOL reported that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed the decision during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday. It follows earlier denials from the party after Mchunu first requested to take special leave.

The ANC had previously stated that Mchunu would continue his organisational duties despite the ongoing investigation.

Mchunu, who serves on the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC), has already appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee but has yet to testify before the Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He has been at the centre of allegations of corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS), including claims related to his directive to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PTTT).

Mbalula said the National Working Committee had recommended that Mchunu’s request for special leave from NEC and NWC activities be approved.

He noted that the ANC’s Guidelines and Procedures on the Implementation of the National Conference Resolutions on Credibility and Integrity govern such matters, and clarified that Mchunu has not been indicted on any corruption or criminal charges.

“Accordingly, the specific provisions of paragraph 3.1.1 do not apply to him,” Mbalula said. “However, this does not mean that he or any other member alleged to be involved in corrupt activities cannot voluntarily step aside or take special leave.”

He added that the ANC welcomed Mchunu’s acknowledgement of the public’s frustration with crime and corruption, and said it was “practically impossible not to agree to his request” given the demands of the commission’s work.

Last week, Mchunu appointed former ANC Youth League activist and political communicator Sithembiso Mshengu as his personal spokesperson to handle all media queries related to his upcoming testimony and appearances.