By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be called to testify before the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of political interference in the police service made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The committee met on Tuesday to consider potential witnesses after Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims, which placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at the center of the controversy.
In the deliberations of the committee members, the president appeared to be the senior member of government who would be called to account.
The committee, in a marathon meeting, agreed that Mkhwanazi would be the first witness to testify, followed by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
When MPs considered additional witnesses, the names of Ramaphosa and other SAPS officials were suggested.
The committee’s legal team further recommended that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, Dr. Polly Botshielo, and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also appear.
While it remains unclear if the president will be summoned, members stressed the need to align proceedings with the ongoing Madlanga Commission, which is probing similar allegations of political interference raised by Mkhwanazi.
The legal team confirmed that all identified witnesses had been consulted and were cooperative.
However, Ramaphosa has not yet been formally approached, and the committee will decide on Friday whether to adopt his name.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said discussions had taken place with the Madlanga Commission to align witness lists.
“Honourable members, we have just about 10 days before senior counsel proposes the hearings commence. The list of consultations is nearly exhausted, and a second batch of witnesses is now proposed,” Lekganyane told MPs.
Debate also arose over whether DA MP Dianne Kohler, who was mentioned by Mkhwanazi at the Madlanga Commission, should continue serving on the committee.
The DA proposed that Kohler step aside until after Mkhwanazi testifies; if implicated, she would not be allowed to participate further.
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