Cape Town – Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims is preparing to start hearings this month.
The committee has appointed Advocate Norman Arendse as evidence leader, supported by two advocates, and has invited several high-ranking officials, including National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Acting Minister Firoz Cachalia, and their deputies, to testify. Former police minister Bheki Cele may also appear.
Hearings are expected to begin between 16 and 22 September, with the inquiry scheduled to conclude by 31 October, although MPs may seek a 30-day extension if needed. Witnesses will each be allocated two hours, and sittings may be held in both Cape Town and Gauteng.
Tensions have emerged over Mkhwanazi’s availability, as he indicated he could only appear after 24 September due to his involvement in the Madlanga judicial commission of inquiry.
Some MPs, including Julius Malema, argued that he should be summoned if he delays further.
“I think we must make one point very clear that we’re not going to be told by Mkhwanazi what must happen, what must not happen,” Malema said.
“If we are looking for him, we have to find him, and if he’s not going to make himself available, we’re going to have to summon him.
“He’s the one who started this mess, and he’s going to have to take responsibility. He’s not going to tell us about commission this, commission that, and all of that.
“We don’t know what the commission is doing. We are not interfering with the commission, and the commission must never interfere with us. So Mkhwanazi must be summoned to this committee.”
The Madlanga commission itself will start on 17 September in Pretoria after initial delays. Both processes will run independently.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
