Former ANC heavyweight Ace Magashule is turning up the political heat—this time calling out the ruling party’s "step-aside" policy as inconsistent and politically targeted.
Speaking on Sunday alongside ex-Hawks boss General Berning Ntlemeza, Magashule argued that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu should be asked to step down immediately, following explosive accusations linking him to criminal gangs and interference in police investigations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“Why did people act when there were allegations against us? Why were we requested to step aside?” Magashule asked rhetorically, suggesting that the rule is weaponised to sideline select individuals, himself included.
The step-aside rule—originally designed to protect the ANC’s image during corruption crackdowns—has long been a point of contention. Magashule was one of the most prominent casualties of the rule in 2020, before breaking away to form the African Congress for Transformation (ACT).
But the latest twist in this saga involves Senzo Mchunu, who now faces growing public and political pressure.
During the media briefing, General Ntlemeza backed Mkhwanazi’s claims, saying:
“I can tell that General Mkhwanazi has evidence. When I connected the dots in his story—messages, timelines—it was clear.”
He also hinted that Mkhwanazi’s decision to go public was due to frustration within the system, claiming internal channels were stonewalling the investigation.
“People have been killed for years in KZN. If the minister gave an instruction to shut down the political killings task team, that’s serious,” Ntlemeza warned.
Despite the uproar, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula insisted on Sunday that the party is not applying the step-aside rule selectively.
“You get arrested, you stand on your own—the rule applies. Appearing in court? It applies.”
Mbalula further stated that Mchunu is already on special leave, which the party views as a temporary form of stepping aside until the judicial commission of inquiry delivers its findings.
Do YOU think Senzo Mchunu should step aside now or wait for the inquiry results?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comment box or vote in our snap poll below.
Poll: Should Mchunu be forced to step aside now?
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Yes, the allegations are too serious
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No, wait for the inquiry results
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The step-aside rule is flawed
Tags: Ace Magashule, Senzo Mchunu, Step Aside Rule, ANC Politics, Police Interference, KZN Killings, Ntlemeza, Mkhwanazi, Political Scandal SA, ACT Party
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Source: The Citizen
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