The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has issued a formal letter of demand to President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for his resignation or the withdrawal of his recent public announcements, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The move comes following escalating tensions over Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave and establish a judicial commission of inquiry.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has confirmed that criminal charges against Mchunu are now under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
MK Party’s ultimatum to Ramaphosa
In a letter delivered through its legal team, the MK Party challenged the constitutionality of Ramaphosa’s 13 July announcement, which included appointing Prof. Firoz Cachalia as Acting Police Minister and initiating a judicial inquiry. The party has threatened legal action, a parliamentary no-confidence motion, and mass mobilization if Ramaphosa does not comply, as mentioned by African Insider.
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela criticized the credibility of parliamentary and judicial processes, citing concerns over alleged complicity in political crimes. He referenced KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims that some lawmakers were involved in illegal activities.
‘How can we trust ad hoc committees or the judiciary when some may be implicated?’ Ndlela questioned in an interview with SABC News.
DA confirms criminal probe into Mchunu
Meanwhile, the DA revealed that SAPS has assigned a senior lieutenant colonel to investigate criminal charges against Mchunu. The charges relate to allegations that Mchunu misled Parliament about his relationship with businessman Brown Mogotsi.
In March, Mchunu told Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee that he did not know Mogotsi. However, last week, he referred to Mogotsi as his ‘comrade‘ in a press statement. The DA has accused Mchunu of fraud and violating the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament Act.
‘Misleading Parliament, lying and fraudulent cover-ups cannot be tolerated from ANC Ministers. They are serious offences,’ the DA stated, confirming that evidence had been submitted to both SAPS and Parliament’s Ethics Committee.
President Ramaphosa has yet to publicly respond to the MK Party’s demands. His initial decision to place Mchunu on leave followed corruption allegations from KZN’s police commissioner, which Ramaphosa said required an independent inquiry to ‘restore public trust.‘
Political analysts suggest the escalating conflict could deepen divisions within the ANC and its alliance partners. The MK Party’s threat of mass mobilization raises concerns over potential unrest, while the DA’s push for accountability signals intensified opposition scrutiny.
The coming days will be critical in determining South Africa’s political trajectory. The MK Party’s ultimatum places pressure on Ramaphosa’s administration, while the DA’s pursuit of legal action against Mchunu underscores ongoing accountability battles.
With Ramaphosa’s deadline looming and the SAPS investigation underway, the situation remains volatile. Observers warn that failure to address these disputes transparently could further erode public confidence in government institutions. The judiciary’s role in assessing the legality of Ramaphosa’s decisions and Parliament’s handling of ethics violations will be pivotal in shaping the outcome.
As tensions rise, South Africans await decisive action from both political leaders and law enforcement to uphold constitutional integrity and the rule of law.
Also read:
Coup d’état risk identified, but SA is safe, says State Security Minister
Picture: Gallo Images
