Zuma, MK Party Take Mchunu Suspension Battle to Court

(The Post News)- The MK Party has approached the Constitutional Court to overturn President Cyril Ramaphosa’s suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

This comes after KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of meddling in police investigations.

Last Sunday, President Ramaphosa told the nation he had suspended Mchunu, appointed Prof Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister from August 1, and established a judicial inquiry under acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to investigate the claims.

On Tuesday, Ramaphosa named Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as interim police minister until Cachalia assumes the role.

In its court application, the MK Party described Ramaphosa’s moves as ‘irrational’, ‘invalid’, and contrary to the Constitution and his presidential oath, demanding that the three executive decisions be overturned.

According to the court papers, Ramaphosa’s move to set up the judicial commission of inquiry is ‘irrational’ and ‘inconsistent with constitutional obligations, including section 83(b), the presidential oath, and sections 84(2)(f), 177, 178(4), and 180,’ rendering it invalid.

The application lists former president Jacob Zuma as first applicant, the MK Party as second, and cites Ramaphosa, Mchunu, Mantashe, Cachalia, and Madlanga as respondents.

The MK Party’s urgent court bid demands that Ramaphosa take “constitutionally compliant decisions” within 15 days.

Respondents must indicate by 10am Monday if they intend to oppose the case, file their responses by 5pm Tuesday, while the MK Party will reply by Thursday. All parties are expected to submit heads of argument by Friday.

The court case unfolded as MK Party supporters marched to Pretoria’s Union Buildings and police headquarters on Friday, submitting memorandums urging Mchunu’s prosecution and protection for Mkhwanazi.

Similar marches took place nationwide during the week, with the MK Party vowing to continue the protests.