Cape Town – Cedrick Nkabinde, chief of staff to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, appeared before the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday as part of an inquiry into allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration in the policing sector.
Speaking at the hearing, Nkabinde said he was prepared to cooperate fully with any investigation into his conduct or the ministry’s activities.
“I have nothing to hide. If I am called to testify or take part in any legal process, I will do so without hesitation,” he told the committee.
Nkabinde described a recent search of his home as “heavy-handed” and “politically motivated,” adding that his devices were seized and his brother was briefly detained.
“I have already contacted my legal representatives regarding the incident,” he said.
WATCH | Cedrick Nkabinde, the Police Ministry’s Chief of Staff, says he was nominated by Minister Mchunu for the position and that there were no interviews. pic.twitter.com/nYRX39lOOK
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 13, 2025
During questioning, committee members raised concerns about Nkabinde’s rapid rise within the police ministry and his possible involvement in the circulation of key documents related to the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
Senior police officials previously testified that communication between Nkabinde and the ministry created the impression that he was facilitating certain directives for signature and revision.
Responding to questions about his previous involvement in disciplinary and oversight matters, Nkabinde referred to a whistle-blower report he had submitted in 2018.
He said the report had been used to influence decisions about leadership contracts within the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
“My report was dealt with in the Portfolio Committee on Police.
It was also referred to the National Assembly, where they had to determine whether the contract should be renewed,” he said.
He further told the committee that criminal dockets were opened following those reports and that some cases involved high-profile individuals in the policing sector.
“Two criminal dockets were registered. There was also another docket where certain senior officials were implicated,” he stated.
The hearings, which have included testimony from top police and government officials, aim to uncover whether proper oversight procedures were bypassed and if political influence affected operational decisions.
Nkabinde maintained his stance that his conduct was above reproach, saying, “I’m one of the witnesses in that process, and I will continue to cooperate.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
