By Johnathan Paoli
The Constitutional Court has denied the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) direct access in its urgent application challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave.
It also challenged the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister, and establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry into alleged political interference in police operations.
Justice Steven Mathopo delivered the ruling on Thursday, effectively ending the MKP’s attempt to escalate the matter straight to the Constitutional Court without first going through the lower courts.
“The Constitutional Court has considered the application for exclusive jurisdiction and direct access. It has concluded that the application does not engage the court’s jurisdiction and no case has been made out for direct access. The following order is made: Direct access is refused. Costs are reserved. Reasons for this order shall be given at a later date,” Mathopo said.
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