President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In a separate move, the President has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with opposition leaders welcoming Mchunu’s suspension but expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of another commission of inquiry. Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), questioned whether the inquiry would lead to tangible consequences, citing the lack of high-profile convictions following the Zondo Commission.
Skepticism Over Another Inquiry
Speaking in an interview, Steenhuisen acknowledged that suspending Mchunu was a step in the right direction but raised concerns about other cabinet members facing serious allegations who remain in their positions.
“South Africans have grown skeptical of commissions of inquiry,” Steenhuisen said. “We’re almost two years from the Zondo Commission report without a single high-profile conviction. The president has set a high bar with the suspension, but what about others in cabinet with serious allegations against them?”
He pointed to ministers like Gwede Mantashe and David Mahlobo, who have faced corruption allegations but remain in office.
Calls for Parliamentary Oversight
Steenhuisen argued that Parliament, rather than another lengthy inquiry, should handle the investigation, as its committees have the power to summon witnesses and demand accountability.
“We have a wonderful mechanism called Parliament,” he said. “We must use it. People want decisive action, not more talk shops.”
While he welcomed the inquiry’s broad scope—which will examine current and former officials—he stressed that its success would depend on whether it leads to prosecutions.
No Prior Consultation with GNU Partners
Steenhuisen confirmed that the DA, as part of the GNU, was not consulted before the president’s announcement. He noted that while cabinet reshuffles are the president’s prerogative, consultation is expected when changes affect GNU partner parties.
Public Demand for Accountability
The DA leader emphasized that South Africans are tired of prolonged investigations without results.
“Commissions will only be as good as their consequences,” he said. “We need swift, effective action against corruption—not more reports gathering dust.”
The inquiry’s terms of reference and timeline remain under scrutiny, with concerns that delays could hinder efforts to address crime and instability within the police service.
As the investigation unfolds, pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to demonstrate that this inquiry will differ from past efforts—where findings rarely translated into prosecutions.
For now, South Africans wait to see whether this latest probe will bring accountability or become another chapter in the country’s long struggle against graft.