President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision to appoint Firoz Cachalia as the acting Minister of Police, stating that the move was necessary to uphold the integrity of law enforcement and maintain public trust in the criminal justice system.
The president’s decision is at the centre of a legal challenge brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which is expected to be heard in the Constitutional Court on Wednesday.
The case questions the lawfulness of placing Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on special leave, naming Cachalia as his temporary replacement, and establishing a commission of inquiry into alleged corruption within the police service.
In documents filed with the Constitutional Court, Ramaphosa argued that placing Mchunu on leave rather than dismissing him outright was a responsible and balanced course of action.
He said removing a Cabinet member based solely on untested allegations could destabilise the executive. According to the president, special leave is a legitimate tool to deal with serious allegations while allowing space for due process.
He also cited past examples, including the case of former Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize, who was placed on special leave amid allegations involving COVID-19 procurement contracts.
Ramaphosa insisted his decision is consistent with his constitutional powers and allows him to respond appropriately to each situation based on its unique circumstances.
The president further explained that his appointment of Cachalia, a parliamentary outsider, was within his executive authority and necessary to ensure the continued legitimacy and independence of law enforcement institutions.
He added that the associated costs of expanding his Cabinet were justified by the need to protect the credibility of these agencies during a time of serious scrutiny.
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