By Johnathan Paoli
The National Assembly on Tuesday approved a third extension of the ad hoc committee probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in South Africa’s justice and security system, pushing the committee’s reporting deadline to the end of March.
The extension was adopted without objection during a brief virtual sitting of the House, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, after the committee said that it required additional time to conclude its work and finalise its report.
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Opening the sitting, Didiza explained the procedural context and confirmed that the meeting, although virtual, carried the same legal standing as a physical sitting of Parliament.
The motion to extend the committee’s deadline was formally tabled by ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli.
“Madam Speaker and honourable members, I’m standing here to present a draft resolution that the House extends the deadline by which the ad hoc committee to investigate allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has to complete its tasks to the 31st of March, 2026,” Ntuli said.
After calling for objections, Didiza announced: “No objection. The motion or the resolution has been agreed to.”
Since it started, the committee has heard testimony from several high-profile witnesses, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, his predecessor Bheki Cele, tenderpreneur and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, and private forensic examiner Paul O’Sullivan.
The committee’s original deadline was October 2025, later extended to 20 February 2026.
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Parliament has previously been told that the latest extension is necessary to allow the committee to engage outstanding witnesses and properly process its findings.
Before turning to the sole item on the order paper, the speaker also announced changes to the composition of the House following the resignation of former MP Brian Molefe, confirming the swearing-in of Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi and her designation as chief whip of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
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