Phahlane corruption probe laid bare as McBride tells Parliament of sabotage and political interference

By Johnathan Paoli

The ad hoc parliamentary committee probing allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system resumed its work after the break with Advocate Bongiwe Mkhize formally taking over as evidence leader, questioning former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride on the investigation into former acting National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Khomotso Phahlane.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane noted that it was Mkhize’s first time leading evidence before the committee and instructed members that she would be applauded once she concluded her session.

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Mkhize, who replaced Advocate Lerato Zikalala as evidence leader, began by asking McBride about the so-called “Phahlane task team”.

McBride testified that when he returned to IPID following his suspension in 2016, two senior investigators had been