ConCourt denies MK Party direct access in its bid to set aside Ramaphosa’s decision to place Mchunu on special leave

The MK Party approached the court on an urgent basis to set aside the president’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and to appoint an acting police minister.

The Constitutional Court has denied direct access to the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and former President Jacob Zuma in the matter against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The MK Party approached the court on an urgent basis to set aside the president’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and to appoint an acting police minister.

It also wanted the court to halt the judicial commission of inquiry into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Before the MK Party’s case could be heard on why Mchunu should be fired and not suspended, the party and its leader had to apply for direct access to the Constitutional Court.

This is for a case to be made on why the matter must be heard in the apex court before starting in the high court.

But the Constitutional Court has not engaged the merits of this case, denying the MK Party direct access.

Justice Steven Mathopo handed down the order: “The application does not engage the court’s jurisdiction and no case has been made out for direct access. The following order has been made. Direct access has been refused. Costs are reserved.”

Mathopo said the reasons would be handed down at a later stage.