Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has officially stepped aside from his duties in the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) — after the party initially rejected his request.
The announcement was made by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula during a media briefing on Tuesday, confirming that the party’s top brass had finally approved Mchunu’s request for special leave from ANC activities.
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This comes just days after reports that Mbalula had initially declined Mchunu’s offer to take a step back. Mchunu, in a statement, said he had voluntarily offered to go on leave to protect the integrity of the party while he faces serious allegations, but was first told that his leave “only applied to Cabinet duties”.
Allegations of Criminal Links
Mchunu’s decision follows explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused the minister of being linked to a criminal syndicate allegedly operating within law enforcement and intelligence circles.
The allegations have rocked the political establishment, with two committees currently investigating the matter to determine their validity.
ANC Calls Move ‘A Sign of Integrity’
Mbalula said the minister’s choice to step aside was a “conscious act of integrity”, adding that the decision was voluntary and not mandated by the party’s step-aside rule.
“Comrade Mchunu presented himself to the integrity commission and took a step that many in his position would not take,” Mbalula said. “This is about protecting both himself and the organisation while the investigations continue.”
He emphasised that the ANC had revisited its earlier stance to ensure fairness and clarity as the investigations unfold.
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‘I’m Cooperating Fully’ — Senzo Mchunu
In his statement, Mchunu confirmed that he had already appeared before the ANC’s Integrity Commission, where he made a partial presentation and committed to completing it after the Madlanga Commission concludes its work.
“I am cooperating fully with all processes and have submitted a detailed written account,” he said.
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