South African President Cyril Ramaphosa placed police minister Senzo Mchunu on immediate leave of absence on Sunday, following accusations by a top police official that he had colluded with a criminal syndicate and interfered in high-profile investigations.

Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended South Africa’s police minister and appointed a commission to investigate a series of explosive allegations against senior law enforcement and judicial officials in a crisis that heaps pressure on the country’s fragile coalition.