Court to hear MK Party application challenging Cachalia’s appointment as acting police minister

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng High Court will on Tuesday be hearing an urgent application by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, challenging the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.

The official opposition is also challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a commission of inquiry looking into allegations of corruption with the crime prevention sector.

The party wants the court to declare both decisions to be unconstitutional and invalid.

The MK Party made a similar application before the Constitutional Court in July; however, it was dismissed based on the fact it did not have direct access.

The MK Party said the Constitution does not make provision for an acting minister position.

Cachalia was appointed as acting minister on 1 August.

He took over the reins from Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on indefinite leave due to damning allegations made against him by Kwazulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi’s allegations are now subject to a commission of inquiry, which the MK Party is also challenging its constitutionality.