Mashatile denies shielding suspended minister Mchunu amid corruption inquiry

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has clarified that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is not being shielded from disciplinary action following startling revelations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption.

Mchunu has been on suspension for over seven months, leading some political parties in Parliament to label him a ghost worker.

The prolonged absence has fueled criticism regarding the pace of accountability within the executive.

Addressing the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, Mashatile maintained that public trust in the police service would be restored once action is taken against the rotten apples.

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As the Chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security cluster, the Deputy President noted that several measures were implemented to improve policing and ensure integrity even before the commission was established.

However, these claims drew scepticism from the Democratic Alliance's (DA) Dennis Ryder, who questioned whether these measures had failed, given the evidence currently surfacing in the inquiry.

"I think what’s coming out of the Madlanga Commission is that indication to say: yes, you have all these measures, but there are still loopholes," Mashatile admitted.

Mashatile also dismissed suggestions from the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) Virgil Gericke that Minister Mchunu is being allowed to evade accountability.

He emphasised that the President has not exonerated anyone and is currently awaiting the final report of the commission before taking further action.

The Deputy President concluded by confirming that President Cyril Ramaphosa is already acting on recommendations from the inquiry’s interim report through a dedicated task team.