After citizens waited with bated breath longer than expected, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation earlier tonight regarding national security concerns raised by KZN’s police commissioner.

Some of the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi include interference in investigations, disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, links to criminal syndicates, collusion with accused individuals, and misleading Parliament.

Exactly a week on from these scathing remarks, and due to the president’s Brics commitments, Ramaphosa announced that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on a leave of absence with immediate effect. The president added that Mchunu has promised to give his full co-operation into an investigation launched by Ramaphosa.

This contrasts with earlier media reports suggesting the president had three options regarding the minister: Reassigning him, awaiting his voluntary resignation, or applying the ANC’s step-aside rule if he is officially under investigation.

Furthermore, a judicial commission of inquiry has been established to investigate these allegations and several other matters, including compromised individuals and legislation. It will be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The commission will provide an interim report after three months and another after six months.

Until August, an acting police minister will be appointed from within Cabinet. Thereafter, Prof Firoz Cachalia, a former Gauteng MEC and current adjunct professor at Wits University, will serve in the position until the next steps are taken.

Police Minister spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi in a statement said Mchunu has welcomed the decision and expressed his full support for the process.

“I welcome and respect the president’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold. I stand ready to respond to the accusations against me and account to the citizens of the Republic, fully and honestly so.”

Watch the full speech by the president:

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