Pretoria – Human rights activist and violence monitor Mary de Haas clashed with MPs during a tense questioning session before the ad hoc committee on Tuesday.
De Haas presented information she had gathered about crime in KwaZulu-Natal from sources such as victims, lawyers and police officers, saying she had previously submitted some of it to police and parliament.
[WATCH] Dereleen James: “Dr Mary, this is no laughing matter. State security has been compromised because of this letter, and you are laughing. This is serious.”
Mary de Haas: “I mean, it’s not my fault.”#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/HuvTCKDtCV
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 18, 2025
However, MPs challenged the credibility of her testimony because she refused to identify her sources.
The pressure frustrated De Haas, who visibly showed irritation — including rolling her eyes — which MPs criticised as disrespectful.
The exchanges escalated when MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe asked whether she had leaked information to the media, prompting De Haas to accuse the committee of conducting a “witch hunt.”
♦️ Must Watch ♦️
In her line of questioning, the EFF Deputy Secretary-General, Hon. @LeighAnnMathys, exposed that Dr. Mary de Haas does not hold a doctorate, rather, she received an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University during the Ad Hoc Committee investigation into… pic.twitter.com/Q61YiexaqV
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 18, 2025
Tensions rose further when MK Party MP David Skosana asked if she would allow her electronic devices to be seized for investigation.
She objected, citing private information, but Skosana insisted they could obtain a court order. De Haas called the suggestion inappropriate, saying, “How dare you? I’m a private person.”
[AD-HOC COMMITTEE]: Hon. Thulani Shongwe and Hon. David Skosana held Prof. Mary De Haas accountable, following her attempts at being evasive by refusing to name the relevant people during her witness testimony, at the #AdHocCommittee. pic.twitter.com/bKSnR4rCdb
— MK Party in Parliament (@MKParliament) November 19, 2025
Her testimony concluded on Tuesday.
The hearings will continue on Wednesday with police ministry chief of staff Cedrick Nkabinde.
In today’s committee hearing, something important became clear.
When asked for evidence behind her public accusations, Dr Mary de Haas could not point to a single example of first hand information. Everything she repeated came from unnamed people, unverified stories and no sworn… pic.twitter.com/b7YDf741l6
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) November 18, 2025
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Compiled Betha Madhomu
