Cape Town – National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has declined to approve a parliamentary debate on the explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, opting instead to task three parliamentary committees with urgently probing the issue.
“In relation to the debate requested by two political parties, the Speaker believes it would not be appropriate to hold such a debate, as these allegations remain unsubstantiated at this stage,” Didiza said, according to IOL.
National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza assigns three committees to investigate KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s corruption claims. Didiza, however, has denied various political parties’ request for a snap debate on the matter. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/gzv6eMRiap
— eNCA (@eNCA) July 9, 2025
She made the remarks in response to requests from the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA, who had written to her calling for an urgent parliamentary debate on corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said on Wednesday that he is waiting to be called by President Cyril Ramaphosa to give his account amid escalating turmoil within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Speaking virtually from Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, Masemola described the current situation as “unprecedented” and in urgent need of decisive intervention.
He confirmed SAPS is ready to brief the president upon his return from Brazil.
“Let me unequivocally say the current state of affairs is unprecedented and it is concerning, unfortunately, and requires uncompromising intervention to restore stability in the organisation. We acknowledge fully the commitment made by His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he would attend to this matter as soon as he arrives in the country,” he said.
The president himself has promised swift action against individuals implicated in corruption.
Speaking to the media before departing Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he had been attending the 17th BRICS summit, Ramaphosa said the allegations were of “serious concern” and would be addressed as a matter of urgency upon his return to South Africa.
“This is not a matter that we should not give attention to. It is a serious matter,” Ramaphosa said. “It has to do with the security of our people but also with our adherence to the rule of law.”
Ramaphosa said he intended to consult widely on the matter and would seek clarity from relevant parties before taking decisive action.
“It is a matter that I will be dealing with when I get home. I will need to look at it more closely and have a thorough discussion with a number of people and thereafter, there will be a clear way forward,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution, the president said law enforcement officers play a vital role in ensuring safety and justice, and that no one was above the law.
“Those who have done wrong should be dealt with and should be dealt with thoroughly in terms of our Constitution and laws,” he said.
