WATCH | Committee investigating Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations to pick chair

Cape Town – Parliament’s ad hoc committee tasked with investigating explosive allegations of corruption within South Africa’s police and justice system is set to hold its first meeting on Tuesday to elect a chairperson and kick-start its inquiry.

The multi-party committee, established two weeks ago, was formed in response to claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi has alleged that high-ranking officials in the South African Police Service (SAPS) are involved in serious corruption and has linked Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to individuals of questionable character.

The committee, initially reported to have 11 members, now comprises 18 Members of Parliament. Once a chairperson is elected, the committee will begin probing a range of serious allegations, including:

• The alleged unlawful disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team by Minister Mchunu

• The removal of 121 investigation dockets by Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya

• A R360 million healthcare tender awarded to a company owned by murder-accused businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala

• Alleged interference by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption in police matters

The inquiry may also extend to alleged corruption involving Members of Parliament and members of the judiciary. The committee’s mandate will run concurrently with a judicial commission of inquiry, which has not yet commenced its work.

Parties are expected to nominate candidates to lead the committee during the inaugural session. DA committee members have stressed that the process should remain focused on facts rather than political point-scoring. Committee member Ian Cameron noted that the investigation would target specific cases, avoiding the political grandstanding that can often overshadow such inquiries.

Both Commissioner Mkhwanazi and the suspended minister Mchunu are expected to be called to make submissions as the investigation progresses. The committee has been given three months to complete its work.