Parliament Ad Hoc Committee to resume hearings on SAPS corruption allegations

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial head Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is set to meet on Wednesday.

The committee will consider key aspects of its work, including its “public participation process”, its programme relating to the “resumption of oral hearings”, and a report on cases involving Paul O’Sullivan.

This follows allegations that O’Sullivan sent threatening messages to the chief of staff to the suspended Police Minister, Cedrick Nkabinde, during a dinner break while Nkabinde was testifying before Parliament.

Nkabinde further alleged that O’Sullivan exerted influence and interference within the South African Police Service and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

The ad hoc committee adjourned its oral hearings in November and is now working under a tight deadline to conclude its business by the end of February, after being granted an extension by the National Assembly.

The committee was established following explosive allegations made on 6 July 2025, Lt General Mkhwanazi, who raised concerns about widespread police corruption and questioned the disbandment of a political killings task team.

His testimony set the tone and scope for the committee’s investigation.

The committee concluded its 2025 programme with testimony from controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who appeared before Members of Parliament while detained at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre following his arrest in April.

Matlala is facing several serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and alleged involvement in a R2 billion fraud linked to Tembisa Hospital.

During his appearance, Matlala was extensively questioned about R500 000 cash payments he said he made to former police minister Bheki Cele, raids conducted on his home, and his alleged connections with National Deputy Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.

The committee also heard Matlala’s claim that Cele demanded a bribe of R1 million, which Matlala alleged he partially paid using Woolworths shopping bags.

Over the course of its hearings, the ad hoc committee has heard evidence from a wide range of witnesses. These have included Lieutenant General Fani Molefe, Cedrick Nkabinde, violence and criminal justice expert Mary de Haas, and National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi.

Other witnesses have included advocate Andrea Johnson, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, Cassel Mathale, and SAPS Chief Officer Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.

The committee has also heard testimony from former police minister Bheki Cele, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, National Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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