The African National Congress has confirmed that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu offered to step aside from his party responsibilities while on special leave. The party's National Working Committee rejected the request, as Mchunu has not been charged in any court. The ANC will monitor developments closely amid the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave from Cabinet, offered to step aside from his duties within the African National Congress following President Cyril Ramaphosa's establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The ANC's National Executive Committee decided that Mchunu should continue his organizational responsibilities during this period.
The party emphasized that Mchunu has not been charged in any court of law and intends to closely monitor the situation. Mchunu's spokesperson, Sithembiso Mshengu, confirmed the minister's appearance before the ANC's Integrity Commission and stated he will return after providing evidence at the inquiry.
In a direct statement, Mshengu said: “Indeed, I can confirm that Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is on special leave, did offer to step aside from all the organisational processes of the ANC. In terms of his active participation as NEC and NWC member. The NWC of the ANC rejected his request on the grounds that he is not yet charged in any court in the Republic of South Africa.”
This development occurs against the backdrop of the Madlanga Commission's probe, which relates to broader issues in the police portfolio under Mchunu's oversight. The ANC's stance underscores its policy of requiring formal charges before enforcing a step-aside, maintaining Mchunu's role in key party structures like the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee.