Parliament has said that documents linked to its inquiry into allegations of political interference and criminal infiltration in the South African Police Service (SAPS), made by KwaZulu-Natal police chief Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, are now available to the public.
The ad hoc committee investigating Mkhwanazi’s claims said interested parties could access the material here.
The committee’s proceedings are open to the media and public, unless there is a need to protect whistleblowers or handle sensitive information. The committee will meet again on Thursday (today) to “consider its terms of reference”.
The sitting starts at 11am and can be followed on:
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Looking back on Mkhwanazi’s briefing
During a sensational media briefing on 6 July, Mkhwanazi claimed that a powerful criminal syndicate had infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence services. He alleged that a major drug cartel – with links to elements of the judiciary, prosecutors and politicians – was operating with impunity, undermining the rule of law and national security.
He accused then police minister Senzo Mchunu of political interference in police operations, alleging he colluded with criminal elements to disband KwaZulu-Natal’s political killings task team.
The specialised unit, established in 2018, was tasked with investigating a wave of assassinations linked to political rivalry in the province, and was also assisting in investigations in Gauteng.
Critics say its closure hampered efforts to tackle politically motivated killings in a region with one of South Africa’s highest murder rates.
President Ramaphosa’s family meeting
A week after Mkhwanazi’s briefing, president Cyril Ramaphosa said during a televised address that the allegations “call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation” and announced a judicial commission of inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, assisted by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC.
Ramaphosa also announced that Mchunu had been placed on a leave of absence with immediate effect, which would enable the commission to “execute its functions effectively”.
Professor Firoz Cachalia, chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and a former Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, has been appointed minister of police in Mchunu’s absence.
