Lekganyane warns MPs: ‘The law, not party politics, must guide us’
ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane, elected as chair of Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in SAPS, has urged fellow MPs to put party politics aside and focus on the interests of South Africans.
The committee was formed to probe the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed there was widespread collusion between senior police officials, members of the judiciary, and criminal syndicates.
Mkhwanazi alleged that some Gauteng-based officials were sabotaging anti-crime operations from within the state, triggering national concern and prompting a joint recommendation by Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Police and Justice to establish the ad hoc inquiry.
Lekganyane, a former ANC Limpopo provincial secretary and adviser to the Basic Education Ministry, was elected to Parliament in 2024.
He now chairs one of the most closely-watched parliamentary investigations in recent years.
Lekganyane stressed that committee members must uphold the Constitution and prioritise transparency, accountability, and justice over political allegiance.
"The law of the Republic does not apply only to the chairperson. It applies to every one of us,” he said.
"If I see Honourable James doing something outside of the law, I must say so. That’s peer review. If Honourable Skosana sees something unlawful, he must speak up. That’s how we maintain integrity in this committee.”
Lekganyane added that using the law as a “ruler” to straighten any weaknesses in behaviour or process would be key to delivering on Parliament’s mandate.
"This committee will not operate under ANC rules. I was not appointed here through ANC law, there’s only one law that governs our conduct, and that’s the law of the Republic of South Africa.”
He warned against political grandstanding, cover-ups, or protecting powerful interests at the expense of ordinary citizens.
"If we fall short of that standard, we are not worthy of being public representatives. And if we attempt to conceal or dilute this process, we will be failing the very people who sent us here,those who often have no voice."
"That would be sheer hypocrisy.”
Lekganyane ended his remarks with an appeal for unity and public service.
"Let’s leave ‘Soviet’ at home. Let’s leave ‘Skosana’ at home, and come here as Members of Parliament who represent the people.
"If we do that, if we leave our personal baggage at the door, we can be the best Parliament this country has ever had. Our ideological divides will never unite us — but our commitment to the people can.”
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