The ANC has granted suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu special leave party Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced on Tuesday.
Mbalula said the decision, announced during a media briefing in Gauteng, allows Mchunu, who serves on the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC), to step aside from his political duties pending an investigation into allegations leveled against him at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
“The National Working Committee has recommended that Comrade Senzo Mchunu’s request for special leave from the activities of the NEC and NWC be granted,” Mbalula said.
He explained that the decision aligns with the ANC’s National Conference Resolutions on Credibility and Integrity, which guide the participation of leaders accused of crimes or under investigation.
Mbalula commended the minister’s understanding of public frustration over crime and corruption.
“In light of the commission’s work and what it requires of him, it is practically impossible not to agree to that particular request,” Mbalula said. “This ensures he carries no burden on himself or the ANC while the processes unfold.”
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MCHUNU
Although Mchunu has not yet testified before the Madlanga Commission, several witnesses have accused him of having links to individuals implicated in corruption, including alleged tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and alleged ANC fixer Brown Mogotsi.
The allegations include claims that Mchunu benefitted from a R500,000 donation by Matlala to his presidential campaign and that he played a role in the political interference leading to the disbandment of the Police Killings Task Team (PKTT).
A recent witness, a detective formerly on the PKTT, told the commission that Matlala’s contribution covered flight tickets and accommodation for ANC members attending a party conference in Cape Town.
The witness alleged that Matlala expected the donation to “protect him” from police investigations.
Mchunu has denied knowing Matlala, telling Parliament’s ad hoc committee that he had no relationship with the businessman.