Tense Ad Hoc Committee sessions ahead as McBride, Mkhwanazi prepare to testify

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee is expected to meet on Monday to finalise its programme, setting the stage for former IPID head, Robert McBride and the suspended EMPD boss, Julius Mkhwanazi, who are scheduled to testify at the committee this week.

The virtual meeting will deal with operational and procedural matters, including the scheduling of in-camera sittings, the management of public submissions and the confirmation of witnesses still to appear.

The committee is under mounting pressure to ensure the inquiry moves swiftly and decisively as allegations of high-level interference continue to shake confidence in the criminal justice system.

The probe follows sworn allegations by KZN police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who told Parliament that powerful individuals within SAPS, Crime Intelligence and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had allegedly colluded with criminal networks to derail investigations, protect suspects and manipulate case outcomes.

Mkhwanazi warned that entrenched corruption and political interference posed a direct threat to the rule of law.

Public hearings resume on Tuesday with testimony from McBride, who is scheduled to appear on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mkhwanazi is expected to testify on Thursday and Friday.

The committee is also expected to receive feedback on Monday regarding its decision to formally write to SAPS leadership over the status of Major-General Richard Shiburi.

MPs last week expressed frustration at what they described as the absence of visible consequence management against senior officers implicated in serious allegations.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane confirmed that Parliament would seek a written explanation from the national police commissioner on Shiburi’s employment status and why he has not been arrested or suspended.

The issue arose after Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo testified that investigations into Shiburi’s alleged interference in the Armand Swart murder case were at an advanced stage.

Last week’s hearings were marked by tense exchanges, including testimony from former acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Khomotso Phahlane, who claimed he was the victim of a coordinated campaign to destroy his career and personal life.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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