Constitutional Court Rejects MK Party Challenge Over Police Minister Appointment
Viable News Team 
Johannesburg – The Constitutional Court has dismissed a legal application brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent decisions concerning the leadership of the South African Police Service.
The case, heard on Thursday, centered around Ramaphosa’s appointment of Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police while the sitting minister, Senzo Mchunu, was placed on leave. The MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, argued that the President had overstepped his authority.
However, South Africa’s highest court ruled that the matter did not fall within its exclusive jurisdiction, effectively ending the challenge on procedural grounds rather than the merits of the case.
The MK Party also opposed the formation of a commission of inquiry into police corruption, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The inquiry was established following serious allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. These include claims that Minister Mchunu disbanded a task team investigating political killings and is possibly linked to a wider criminal network within state structures.
Speaking after the ruling, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting the legal process was biased. “It’s becoming clear that justice is not blind in this country. People will have to take matters into their own hands,” he said.
During court proceedings on Wednesday, advocate Dali Mpofu, representing Zuma and the MKP, accused Ramaphosa of applying double standards. He referenced the continued tenure of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, despite corruption allegations stemming from the Zondo Commission. Mpofu argued that if Mantashe remains in office without consequence, then the suspension of Mchunu — pending the Madlanga Commission’s findings — was inconsistent and unfair.
In response, Ramaphosa’s legal team, led by advocate Kate Hofmeyr, maintained that the MK Party had brought the case to the wrong court. Hofmeyr argued that the Constitutional Court should be treated as a last resort and that such disputes should be addressed by the High Court due to the increasing demands on the apex court’s docket.
The outcome leaves the MK Party without recourse in this matter for now, while the Madlanga Commission continues its work into allegations of corruption within the police.
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