President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appoint a judicial commission of inquiry into alleged criminal infiltration of the state has sparked a firestorm of political and civil backlash, with critics warning the country cannot afford “another Zondo-style dead end.”
Ramaphosa announced on Sunday night that Mchunu would be temporarily removed from his duties following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that the minister interfered with investigations and protected a criminal syndicate with links to political killings, drug trafficking, and police assassinations.
The President said the judicial commission, to be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya Madlanga, would investigate the scale of the infiltration, corruption and interference in law enforcement. The commission is expected to submit interim reports in three and six months, with a final report to be delivered to the President and Parliament.
Ramaphosa said the decision was “in the interest of restoring public confidence and safeguarding national security.” But the announcement has triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum, with opposition parties slamming it as “too little, too late” and civil society groups warning against yet another expensive commission that fails to deliver results.
“We’ve been here before,” said DA leader John Steenhuisen. “The Zondo Commission cost the country over R1 billion, and yet we’re still waiting for real prosecutions. This can’t be another talk shop. South Africans want consequences, not commissions.”
Steenhuisen said while Mchunu’s removal was necessary, the President had failed to show the bold leadership required in the face of a national security crisis.
“Instead of decisive action, the President outsourced responsibility to a slow-moving inquiry while crime continues to escalate. This is not leadership; it’s crisis management by delay.”
The EFF outright rejected the special leave, calling it a “cowardly deflection.”
“Minister Mchunu should have been fired, not rewarded with a paid holiday,” said EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys. “The commission must not be used to protect political elites. We demand criminal prosecution now.”
The EFF also questioned the constitutionality of the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia, who is not a Cabinet minister, as acting Minister of Police.
“Ramaphosa has violated section 98 of the Constitution. He cannot appoint an acting minister who is not already in Cabinet. This shows his complete disregard for the rule of law,” Mathys added.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) echoed these sentiments, warning that commissions have become a “monument to inefficiency.”
“We are tired of taxpayer money funding endless processes that result in no justice,” said ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona. “The Zondo Commission exposed corruption at the highest levels, yet the looters are still free. We won’t accept a repeat.”
ATM called for Mchunu’s outright dismissal and urged the suspension of senior police officials implicated in the allegations, including General Sibiya.
Civil society organisations also weighed in, with Amnesty International South Africa warning that the new inquiry must not delay justice.
“People are tired of commissions that cost millions but deliver no change,” said Amnesty executive director Shenilla Mohamed. “Ramaphosa has an opportunity to act swiftly. Delays will be seen as a betrayal of the victims.”
Mohamed cited high-profile cases like that of murdered activists Lindokuhle Mnguni, Nokuthula Mabaso and Fikile Ntshangase as examples of the justice system’s failure.
“These are not just names. These were human rights defenders. Their deaths remain unresolved. South Africans deserve better than procedural stalling.”
Not In My Name International said the inquiry was a “dangerous stalling tactic.”
“We are deeply disappointed by yet another commission,” said spokesperson Themba Masango. “Minister Mchunu is facing serious accusations, and he gets paid leave while poor South Africans continue to suffer under violent crime. Enough is enough.”
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) went further, calling the commission “unconstitutional and politically dodgy,” accusing Ramaphosa of abusing his powers to protect his allies.
“This inquiry is a smokescreen. The appointment of Professor Cachalia, who is linked to the Oppenheimers, is a move to protect Ramaphosa’s backers,” said the party in a scathing statement. “This is not justice. It’s a cover-up,” said the party.
In contrast, the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) welcomed the move, calling it “a step in the right direction.”
“The President has shown courage in confronting criminal elements within the police,” said SAUCIC president Cardinal Dr Modiri Shole. “We must restore the integrity of the SAPS and ensure that it does not become a haven for criminals.”
Shole praised the appointment of Professor Cachalia, saying his background in law and anti-corruption work made him well-suited to lead the police ministry during this transition.
“The SAPS must be cleaned from the top down. We hope Parliament will align its efforts with the commission to avoid duplication and ensure efficiency.”
Despite the division, most voices agreed on one point: South Africa is at a crossroads, and the next few months will be critical in determining whether this commission brings justice—or becomes just another expensive footnote in the long list of state failures.
“We can’t afford another Zondo,” Steenhuisen warned. “If this commission fails, the last thread of public trust in government will snap.”
