Ad hoc committee to probe Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims

KZN’s top cop recently alleged widespread corruption and collusion among senior police officials and members of the judiciary. 

He claimed some Gauteng-based officials were protecting criminal syndicates and sabotaging anti-crime efforts from within the state.

The decision to form an ad hoc committee follows a joint recommendation by Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Police and on Justice and Constitutional Development, which reviewed Mkhwanazi’s statements.

DA MP and Police Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron said both committees agreed that an ad hoc committee was the most appropriate response.

"The allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner were not only alarming but raised serious questions about the credibility of South Africa’s criminal justice system,” said Cameron.

"As a people-centred Parliament, we were duty-bound to respond swiftly.”

Cameron outlined how the Speaker of Parliament issued a directive on 9 July to three committees to urgently engage the matter. 

"The committees focused on three guiding principles: Avoiding duplication of work  Recommending the best parliamentary process, Treating the matter with urgency,"

He said the ad hoc committee will investigate the following priority concerns: 

1. The allegedly unlawful disbanding of the political killings task team and removal of related dockets.
2. Political interference in police operations.
3. Irregular appointments and procurement involving senior SAPS officers.
4. A reported moratorium on Crime Intelligence vacancies.
5. Improper relationships between government officials and private individuals.

"Both committees emphasised the urgency. South Africa is facing a serious crime crisis, and our response must reflect a commitment to urgency, accountability, and transparency," said Cameron.

The ad hoc committee will have until 31 October to complete its work, in line with Rule 253 of the National Assembly, which governs the scope and time limits for such inquiries.

Cameron also welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the matter, but said Parliament must still play its part.

"We recommend that any preliminary reports submitted to the President also be made available to Parliament. Public trust in the justice system is at stake. If these allegations go unexamined, those who undermine the rule of law will be emboldened.

"Parliament must act decisively, transparently, and with urgency.”

The committee will be made up of four ANC MPs, two DA MPs, and three from smaller parties.

All political parties voted in favour of its formation.

ALSO READ