Three Parly committees to probe Mkhwanazi allegations
Three parliamentary committees have been tasked with probing the damning allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi – against police minister Mchunu and high-ranking police officials.
“National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has asked the portfolio committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to consider the allegations of political interference in high-profile cases on an urgent basis,” said Parliament’s spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo.
The Speaker has, however, denied requests for a snap debate on the matter.
“In relation to the debate requested by two political parties. The speaker believes that it would not be appropriate as these allegations remain unsubstantiated at this stage,” Mothapo added.
There are numerous queries regarding the way the three committees tasked with processing the allegations raised by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service will conduct their work.
The Portfolio Committees on Police and on Justice and Constitutional Development will consider the matter jointly through open meetings, consistent with their established procedures for conducting parliamentary business.
However, the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence is governed by a different set of rules due to the sensitive nature of its oversight responsibilities.
“As such, [the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence] will deliberate on the matter separately from the two committees and in accordance with its established procedures, which include closed sessions as per parliamentary rules.”
Meanwhile,National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says they are ready to brief President Cyril Ramaphosa on the allegations by the KZN commissioner.
“Let me be unequivocal, the current state of affairs is unprecedented, concerning, unfortunate, and requires uncompromised intervention to restore public trust and stability in the organisation. We acknowledge and fully welcome the commitment made by his excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to elevate and prioritise this matter on his return from international travel.”
“Members of the media, we are ready to brief the President and wish to undoubtably reaffirm the operational independence of the South African Police Service, and the resolve to uphold the Constitution of the Republic and enforce the law, according to Section 205(3) of the South African Constitution outlines the core functions of the South African Police Service (SAPS).”
Ramaphosa described the bombshell allegations as being of a "grave national security concern" that threatens public trust in the country’s law enforcement institutions.
In a statement released by the Presidency on Sunday, Ramaphosa called for discipline and restraint from all parties, warning that continued public accusations and internal feuding risk undermining both the rule of law and the integrity of the SAPS.
ALSO READ:
