'Parliament must act' – MPs back probe into SAPS rot
All political parties in the National Assembly have thrown their weight behind the establishment of an ad hoc committee into the country’s law enforcement.
It comes on the back of explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi claimed that senior officials in the South African Police Service, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, metro police officers, and others, are colluding with organised crime syndicates, including an international drug cartel operating in Gauteng.
He also accused the minister of interfering in high-profile investigations and attempting to disband the task team probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
DA MP Lisa‐Maré Schickerling described the House’s resolution as a critical first step in pursuing truth and accountability.
"Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi didn’t simply blow the whistle — he sounded a national alarm,” said Schickerling.
"The allegations are catastrophic: political interference in policing, shielding of criminals by senior figures, and the infiltration of the criminal justice system by organised crime.”
She warned that the evidence raises troubling questions about the conduct of the police minister, deputy national commissioner, senior officers, and even members of the judiciary.
"Parliament must hold the executive accountable, even as other investigations continue.
"The ad hoc committee must act decisively, transparently, and within a fixed time frame. Its work must complement, not duplicate, the president’s judicial commission of inquiry.
“And where necessary, Parliament must go further, especially if the executive is unwilling to police itself,” she added.
MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvaloalso backed the inquiry and called for swift and bold action.
"We support the ad hoc committee to probe these damning allegations. Parliament must act using sections 55 and 56 of the Constitution,” said Nomvalo.
"Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi must be commended for exposing criminal syndicates that have infiltrated SAPS, the NPA, and even the judiciary.”
He added that no one is above the law, including members of Parliament, prosecutors, and judges.
"Mkhwanazi must appear before the committee and name everyone involved.
"Judges must undergo lifestyle audits.
"If the justice cluster were free of criminal influence, President Ramaphosa would be behind bars for financial misconduct, and the NPA’s leadership would have long been removed for incompetence.”
EFF MP Rebecca Mohlala said criminal infiltration of SAPS has reached such dangerous levels that communities no longer trust law enforcement.
"SAPS is captured. People are scared to report crimes because police are working with gangsters,” said Mohlala.
"Minister Mchunu is implicated but denies knowing the criminal,despite evidence to the contrary.”
She cited the case of whistleblower Kate Mathala, who was charged with rape and kidnapping after exposing a senior official’s alleged criminal links.
"This is not law enforcement anymore. It’s organised crime disguised as policing
" We support this committee fully. It must uncover the rot in SAPS, Correctional Services, and the entire justice system.”
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