By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision to place embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence, arguing that as much as he has the power to hire and fire ministers, he is equally empowered to place them on leave.
Ramaphosa’s legal representative, Advocate Ngwako Hamilton Maenetje, told the Constitutional Court on Wednesday that contrary to arguments by opposing parties, the president could place a minister on leave if he was facing serious charges that needed to be investigated.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has dragged the president to the highest court in the land after Ramaphosa refused to accede to its demands to fire Mchunu. He has appointed Firoz Cachalia as acting minister.
Mchunu has been placed on special leave pending the outcome of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations — made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi — that he colluded with criminal
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
