EFF to approach ConCourt over Mchunu special leave

This as he says Ramaphosa failed to act appropriately by placing Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave following damning allegations leveled against him.

Mchunu and other senior officials were named by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as having allegedly colluded with criminals and interfered in investigations.

"The president cannot put a minister on leave. The president either appoints a minister or dismisses a minister. He's got two options only," says Malema.

"So, what he did is to take chances with us, and we have since this morning sent him a letter to tell him that what he did, of putting Senzo on a special leave, is unconstitutional."

He was speaking to the media after casting his vote at ward 13 by-elections at Mponegele Primary School in Seshego outside Polokwane, Limpopo on Wednesday.

Malema further criticized Ramaphosa's decision to appoint Firoz Cachalia, a Professor of Law and the Director of the Mandela Institute at Wits University as an acting Police Minister from August.

READ MORE: LISTEN: LISTEN: Incoming police minister on role: 'I am up for it'

"If there is a need for an acting minister, you choose from amongst the ministers who are sitting in cabinet. You don't go outside a cabinet or even in parliament to pick up a person to come and act.

"He says he's got a right to choose two ministers from outside. That we agree with him, but he has no right to choose an acting minister from outside," he adds. 

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has given the president until Friday to withdraw the announcement about the establishment of the commission of inquiry and resign. 

The party has accused Ramaphosa of acting unconstitutionally and breaking his oath of office by placing Mchunu on special leave and appointing an acting minister in his place.  

Like the EFF, the MKP has threatened to approach the apex court should Ramaphosa fail to meet the deadline.

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