JOHANNESBURG - Calls are mounting for President Cyril Ramaphosa to make a decision on the future of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The renewed pressure follows the release of the Madlanga Commission's second interim report, which recommends disciplinary action against suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, Witness G and Fannie Nkosi.
Further action has also been recommended against alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi.
Public Interest SA said the continued suspension of Mchunu is placing an unnecessary financial burden on the state while creating uncertainty within the country's policing leadership.
READ | Madlanga report calls for disciplinary action against Sibiya, Nkosi and Witness G
Public Interest SA's Tebogo Khaas argued that, beyond the financial implications of keeping a senior cabinet minister on extended leave, the President now faces a political decision on whether Mchunu should remain in office, regardless of whether wrongdoing is ultimately proven.
"It is costing the fiscals a lot to have a senior cabinet member on garden leave for such a lengthy period of time," Khaas said.
He said the current arrangement, with an acting minister at the helm, has raised questions about leadership within the police ministry.
Khaas said Ramaphosa should urgently decide whether to reinstate Mchunu or remove him permanently and appoint a full-time replacement.
"The sooner the President decides whether he keeps Senzo Mchunu or lets him go and makes a permanent appointment, the better. We don't think Firoz Cachalia equals the task, and he must just be warming that bench and must be removed as soon as possible."