By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has resumed his work as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC). He delivered a eulogy this past Sunday for a member of the ANC, Bhekabathetwa Mthethwa.
Mchunu has appeared in front of the Ad Hoc Committee as well as the Madlanga Commission in order to give an explanation into why he disbanded the Political Killing Task Team (PKTT) and to also respond to allegations of corruption, which include holding ties with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala who is considered a shady businessman and for interfering with police operations.
These allegations were swarming after the KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi had made allegations against Mchunu regarding his instruction to disband the Task Team without consulting the national commissioner or any form of national police leadership in order to protect the individuals connected to the political killings.
“He voluntarily stepped aside, he wrote to the party to inform the leadership that he was returning to his position, not necessarily seeking permission, you remember that he is not facing any criminal charges to be forced to step aside. He asked to be excused to protect the image of the ANC after Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s accusations” said Senzo Mchunu’s private spokesperson Sithembiso Mshengu.
The ANC has a policy that states that once a member faces criminal charges he or she must cease any operations from government and political platforms. Mchunu has since reportedly denied the allegations of being affiliated with drug cartels or doing anything corrupt in both his appearances before the Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has re-addressed his decision to not permanently relieve Mchunu from his duties in the cabinet when he responded to parliamentary questions from UmKhonto Wesiwe (MK) party MP, Vusi Shongwe.
Ramaphosa expressed that he has put Mchunu on a special leave until the allegations made by Mkhwanazi have been fully assessed.