Mantashe in as Acting Police Minister; Cachalia to assume role soon

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe will juggle two departments for the next two weeks, now in as the acting Police Minister.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday night that Mantashe will fill the mandate, in preparation for law professor Firoz Cachalia, who will serve as the acting Police Minister from 1 August.

Cachalia is expected to retire by the end of this month.

“Minister Mantashe will serve in this capacity until Prof Firoz Cachalia, who will retire from his position at the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month, assumes his position at the start of August,” said the Presidency.

Who is Firouz Cachalia?

Cachalia is a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and director of the Mandela Institute. He was involved in anti-apartheid activism and began his political career in 1994 as a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. He served as Speaker of the Legislature from 1999 to 2004, representing the African National Congress. He is related to Judge Azhar Cachalia and former Member of Parliament Ghaleb Cachalia.

What is Minister Senzo Mchunu up to?

Ramaphosa said Mantashe will also continue his responsibilities for the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department.

This is as Minister Senzo Mchunu begins his leave of absence, amid allegations of serious misconduct. He will reportedly continue attending parliamentary meetings and performing duties for the ANC despite being placed on special leave.

Mchunu has been placed on leave as a commission of inquiry is being set up to probe allegations levelled against him by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mchunu is among the top cops accused of political interference in high-profile investigations and aiding criminal syndicates.