CYRIL INNIE MIDDEL

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and South African Police Service (SAPS) National commissioner General Fannie Masemola are standing at attention for President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

SAPS has been thrown into crisis mode this week following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is accusing Mchunu of interference in police operations and links to drug cartels. 

But Mchunu says he will not step aside voluntarily and will wait on Ramaphosa to make a decision. 

In an interview with IOL, he said: “I will be guided by what the president decides, and he is applying his mind.

“It would not be fair for me to prejudge the process, as there are many aspects to this matter. I prefer to reserve my comments for now and allow the president to pronounce on what will happen next.”

Meanwhile, SA’s top cop Masemola, on Wednesday said he is awaiting to be called in by the president to give his account of the ongoing ruckus tearing into the heart of law enforcement in South Africa.

Speaking to media in Vanderbijlpark, he said: “Let me unequivocally say the current state of affairs is unprecedented and it is concerning and requires uncompromising intervention to restore stability in the organisation. 

“We acknowledge fully the commitment made by the President, who said he would attend to this matter as soon as he arrives in the country. 

With the country reeling from claims of deep-rooted capture of the police, security and judiciary sectors by criminal networks, calls are mounting for Ramaphosa to act decisively. 

The Public Servants Association (PSA), South Africa’s largest public sector union with more than 245 000 members, want Mchunu to march.

PSA general manager Reuben Maleka told IOL: “Mchunu should do the honourable thing and step aside to save the country further embarrassment. 

“You cannot have someone in such a senior role facing serious allegations that threaten our national security.”

While political parties are backing Mkhwanazi and demanding Mchunu’s suspension, Ramaphosa — widely seen as close to Mchunu — has yet to make his position known.