CAPE TOWN: The Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee looking into the allegations levied by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is anticipated to resume discussions on its draft report this Wednesday evening, as the deadline for submitting the report to the National Assembly approaches rapidly.
Originally, the committee was set to meet for further discussions on Tuesday evening; however, Parliament has announced that this meeting has been postponed until Wednesday evening.
This delay comes at a critical juncture in the committee’s process, as members are reviewing a draft report that spans over 700 pages. Parliament has previously extended the timeline for the committee to submit its report to the National Assembly, which is now set for 11 September 2026.
Scrutinizing Mchunu’s Testimony
One of the key topics addressed in the recent discussions pertains to the testimony of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
According to Parliament, several committee members noted that Mchunu’s testimony included what they deemed significant inconsistencies.
A considerable portion of the discussions has been devoted to Mchunu’s order to dissolve the Political Killings Task Team, which has been a focal point in the allegations under investigation by the committee.
Mchunu was placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 13 July 2025.
The committee also evaluated if the dissolution of the task team and the subsequent management of its case files hindered ongoing investigations.
Parliament reported that members discovered deficiencies in docket management, the continuity of cases, and evidential protections after the Political Killings Task Team’s files were moved from KwaZulu-Natal to Pretoria.
The committee concluded that this transfer significantly disrupted the investigative and prosecutorial continuity in several cases.
Concerns Over Organized Crime
The committee has also weighed whether the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team might have inadvertently aided organized crime syndicates.
Committee chair Soviet Lekganyane confirmed that there were no specific findings against the so-called “Big Five” crime cartels; however, he noted that the decision to dismantle the task team could potentially benefit other criminal enterprises aiming for similar objectives.
This distinction is crucial as Parliament moves closer to finalizing its report. The committee’s discussions and preliminary conclusions should not be misconstrued as criminal charges or determinations of guilt against any individuals referenced throughout the inquiry.
Mkhwanazi’s Allegations Spark Parliamentary Inquiry
The Ad Hoc Committee was formed to investigate a broad spectrum of security claims made by Mkhwanazi.
The committee’s work has involved gathering witness testimonies, reviewing documentary evidence, and conducting extensive hearings that explore issues of policing, political interference, allegations of organized crime, and the events surrounding the Political Killings Task Team. Details regarding the inquiry, including its terms of reference, witness statements, documents, and recordings of proceedings, are available on Parliament’s dedicated committee page.
As the deadline for reporting draws closer, focus now shifts to the findings and recommendations that will be retained through the final deliberations of the committee and subsequently adopted.
The committee plans to continue its discussions on Wednesday, 9 September.
