South Africa Suspends Police Minister, Deputy Over Organised Crime Collusion

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu amid serious allegations of collusion with organized crime syndicates and interference in high-profile investigations, including politically motivated killings. The suspension follows accusations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, a provincial police commissioner, who claimed that Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya obstructed law enforcement efforts and disbanded a critical anti-crime unit. Ramaphosa also appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister and established a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the extent of criminal infiltration and potential complicity within senior government and law enforcement ranks. The commission will examine whether officials aided criminal activities, ignored credible intelligence, or benefitted from syndicate operations. While Mchunu denies the allegations, opposition parties and coalition allies have expressed frustration, calling for stronger action beyond suspension. The case poses a significant test for Ramaphosa's leadership amid growing public distrust in law enforcement and ongoing concerns about political interference in security institutions.