By Marcus Moloko
The ANC has confirmed that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu will continue with his party duties, and has agreed to step aside from certain organisational duties while cooperating with the Madlanga Commission.
In a statement, the party confirmed that Mchunu agreed to step aside while he cooperates with the party’s integrity commission and the Madlanga Commission.
Mchunu was placed on leave following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused him of interfering in high-profile criminal probes and the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
On Thursday this week, Mchunu handed over his electronic devices to the police, while his spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, said the suspended minister had nothing to hide.
Five gadgets were handed to officials, including a government-issued laptop, his personal cellphone, a tablet, and two unused phones.
While the ANC insists that Mchunu’s decision to cooperate and step aside is not an admission of guilt, but a “respect for due process,” the timing, just months from the national elections, could lead to speculation on whether the move was part of a broader campaign to restore public trust, or political massaging.
The party made it clear it would revisit Mchunu’s case should new developments arise, reiterating that members facing criminal charges were expected to step aside pending resolution of their cases.
It was President Cyril Ramaphosa who initiated the Madlanga Commission, which positioned him as a reformist leader determined to root out corruption within government and the party. Mchunu is not the only senior figure under scrutiny from the ANC.
The party has previously taken action against Brown Mogotsi, who is also implicated in the Madlanga Commission.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula confirmed to the media that Mogotsi was no longer a member of the ANC, disciplinary steps that suggest a pattern of enforcement.
The party’s messaging around Mchunu emphasizes cooperation. The question remains: are these actions enough to convince voters that the ANC is serious about reform?
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