The Constitutional Court will deliver its full judgment on Friday at 10am in Johannesburg in a case brought by the MK Party to block President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister. 

The ruling will provide reasons for the court’s earlier decision to dismiss the matter. 

The MKP, led by former President Jacob Zuma, challenged Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and temporarily assign his responsibilities to Cachalia — a non-Cabinet member.

Representing the party, Advocate Dali Mpofu SC argued the move was “unconstitutional and ultra vires,” stating it violated Section 98 of the Constitution, which regulates the appointment of acting ministers during a Cabinet member’s absence or incapacity.

In July, the ConCourt reserved judgment, noting jurisdictional concerns, which led to the matter being struck from the roll.

A subsequent attempt to revive the case in the Pretoria High Court also failed due to a lack of urgency.

Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission in response to alarming claims by KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that senior police officials were interfering with operations and had links to organised crime networks.

Although the outcome is anticipated, MKP previously said it would not be surprising if the decision went otherwise.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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