Mantashe Steps In as Acting Police Minister Amid Corruption Probe
Gwede Mantashe takes over as Acting Police Minister while Senzo Mchunu is on special leave.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as the Acting Police Minister, effective immediately. This move comes as the current Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has been placed on special leave. The Presidency announced the interim appointment Tuesday night.
Mantashe will serve in this dual capacity until Professor Firoz Cachalia officially assumes the role at the beginning of August. Ramaphosa had announced Cachalia’s interim appointment on Sunday late night. This decision aligns with constitutional provisions allowing the president to appoint up to two ministers from outside the National Assembly.
The appointment of Mantashe as Acting Police Minister is grounded in section 98 of the constitution. This article permits the President to delegate the powers or functions of an absent or incapacitated cabinet member to another minister. Mantashe will continue to oversee his primary portfolio as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources during this period.
Mchunu’s special leave is reportedly linked to allegations of corruption within the police service. The specific nature of these allegations has not been detailed.
Who is the Acting Police Minister? Gwede Mantashe, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, is now also serving as the Acting Police Minister.
Professor Firoz Cachalia is slated to formally take over the Police Minister position at the start of August, concluding Mantashe’s interim role.
- Gwede Mantashe is now Acting Police Minister.
- Senzo Mchunu is on special leave due to corruption allegations.
- Professor Firoz Cachalia will take over in August.
- Mantashe retains his Mineral and Petroleum Resources role.
