Ad hoc committee prepares to grill Mchunu on alleged criminal ties

Mchunu

Johannesburg – Embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is set to appear before Parliament on Thursday to answer to allegations of political interference in police operations and links to crime syndicates accused of influencing the disbandment of the political killings task team (PKTT).

According to EWN, his testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on police corruption will span three days, following earlier appearances by suspended deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who defended Mchunu’s directive to disband the PKTT as “lawful”.

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola previously told the committee he disagreed with the move but received no explanation from Mchunu, who is currently on leave of absence over the allegations.

Mchunu will also face questions about his alleged ties to controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi, who is accused of helping push for the disbandment to divert attention from criminal activities in Gauteng.

Security expert Mike Bolhuis has urged Mchunu to take accountability if found guilty of wrongdoing, warning that no one has yet accepted responsibility in the ongoing hearings, SABC News reported.

“What we’ve seen so far is that nobody is stepping up and saying, you know what, I’ve done this and I’m sorry and I’m wrong. Or I take responsibility for this decision or we made a mistake here as a group. And this is a concern. If he really loves this nation, if he’s really there to protect and serve and if he is really there to make a difference, this is his chance to step up and take responsibility but I don’t think he’s going to,” the report quoted Bolhuis as saying.

The hearings come amid allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that senior police officials, including Mchunu, are corrupt, linked to criminals, and interfering in police work. The proceedings will continue next week with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and former minister Bheki Cele expected to testify.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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