Police Minister Senzo Mchunu vows to ‘account fully and honestly' as commission of inquiry looms

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has accepted his ‘special leave’ for allegedly being the centre of corruption in the South African Police Services (SAPS) - but says he is ready to front the allegations.

In a statement on Sunday night, just minutes after being place on a leave of absence by president Cyril Ramaphosa, Mchunu said: “I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold.

“I stand ready to respond to the accusations against me and account to the citizens of the Republic, fully and honestly so.” 

A second statement, by the SAPS said:  “The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, will be taking a leave of absence from his official duties following serious allegations levelled against him by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS)."

Mchunu has been at the centre of controversy for the past week after KZN Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused him of being entangled in a powerful syndicate backed by drug cartels and influential business interests.

SAPS deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was also accused of political interference.

On Sunday, President Ramaphosa has established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate Mkhwanazi’s claims.

Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga will chair the inquiry.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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