By Johnathan Paoli
Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing corruption and political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS) is preparing for a critical week of testimony, with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi set to make his first appearance before committee members on Tuesday.
The committee’s evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse, has said that the hearings will not replicate the Madlanga Commission proceedings, where Mkhwanazi testified over three days.
Instead, Arendse has promised a distinct procedure, sharper lines of questioning, and a focus on issues central to Parliament’s mandate.
Speaking at the committee planning session prior to the commencement of the probe, Arendse said that while the allegations made by Mkhwanazi are widely known, the committee will examine them through a different lens.
“In relation to the factual matter, there will be some differences to what’s been heard at the Madlanga Commission. Our emphasis will obviously be different because our terms of reference are different,” Arendse said.
He added that Mkhwanazi would be briefed on this approach ahead of his appearance, and that such a meeting had taken place on Monday so that Mkhwanazi was not “caught by surprise”.
The Madlanga Commission – which is currently on a break and resumes on 13 October — has primarily been investigating systemic failures and corruption networks.
The ad hoc committee is expected to focus on accountability of current and former public representatives, oversight failures, and potential breaches of constitutional and legislative obligations.
Central to Mkhwanazi’s testimony will be the explosive allegations he made during a 6 July press conference, where he implicated former cabinet ministers, senior police officials, and Members of Parliament in corruption and interference.
Arendse told MPs that the press conference would be treated as a distinct matter during questioning.
Concerns about Mkhwanazi’s safety and the sensitivity of the allegations have already led to Parliament beefing up security arrangements ahead of Tuesday’s sitting.
Following Mkhwanazi’s appearance, the committee will hear from National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Mkhwanazi has claimed that Sibiya was pivotal to the suspension of the “highly successful” Political Killings Task Team because it was closing in on politically-connected underworld figures that were acquainted with Sibiya and former police minister Senzo Mchunu. Sibiya has denied the claims.
Arendse said that the three testimonies would help Parliament build a complete picture of the state of leadership within the police.
“We want to ensure that all senior figures in the police service are given a fair opportunity to present their evidence, but also that the committee is able to interrogate accountability at the highest levels,” he said.
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