ANCYL Concerned Over DA MP Kohler Barnard’s Alleged Role in Intelligence Attacks
ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji has expressed concern over allegations made against Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler Barnard by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of an alleged role in intelligence attacks, highlighting what the league sees as inconsistencies in media reporting on political affiliations.
The allegations surfaced during Mkhwanazi’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he accused Kohler Barnard of breaking the law by inciting attacks against the Crime Intelligence unit and handling classified information recklessly. Malatji, briefing the media on outcomes from the ANCYL’s 2nd National General Council held in Kimberley from September 10 to 12, welcomed the commission’s work in exposing corruption but called for decisive action on its findings to restore public trust.
ANCYL Welcomes Madlanga Commission, Calls for Justice
The ANCYL has welcomed the Madlanga Commission’s efforts to uncover entrenched crime syndicates, procurement cartels, and corruption networks that have undermined service delivery. Malatji stated that the hearings have revealed how politicians, officials, and business figures allegedly colluded to defraud the public. “We are aware of the serious allegations raised before the commission, including those against a DA MP,” he said. “We note with concern how the media often omits party affiliations when the accused are from the DA, yet emphasises them when the accused are from the ANC. These inconsistencies are being closely monitored and confirm how corruption and criminality cut across political lines.”
Malatji emphasised that commissions like Madlanga are tools for justice, not ends in themselves. He urged for arrests and trials based on the findings, saying, “South Africans cannot afford another commission whose report gathers dust while predators continue to enjoy impunity.” The league’s stance reflects broader calls for accountability in a country grappling with systemic corruption that has eroded confidence in democratic institutions.
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. It began hearings on September 17 at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, with Mkhwanazi as the first witness. His July media briefing named senior figures allegedly sabotaging law enforcement, prompting the inquiry.
Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Testimony: Accusations Against Kohler Barnard
During his testimony on Thursday, Mkhwanazi accused Kohler Barnard of undermining state intelligence by releasing classified details, which he claimed incited attacks on the Crime Intelligence unit. He argued that her actions, including writing to the Inspector-General of Intelligence about properties bought by Crime Intelligence, were based on information already in the public domain but handled inappropriately.
Mkhwanazi’s claims extended to other figures, including National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams, whom he accused of accessing classified information inappropriately. The commissioner painted a picture of factional battles and political meddling within the police service, linking senior officials to criminal networks and obstructing investigations into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
Kohler Barnard’s Response: Claims Are Outrageous and Baseless
Kohler Barnard has vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “outrageous, defamatory, and entirely baseless.” In an interview, she explained that her comments stemmed from public reports in February 2025 about properties purchased by Crime Intelligence, which she flagged to the Inspector-General for investigation. “You can find it anywhere on Google. On February 17, 2025, there was extensive reporting and photographs in all national newspapers,” she said.
As a former member of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, Kohler Barnard stated she contacted the Inspector-General before the committee was fully operational post-elections. “I served as a member of the JSCI during the last parliamentary term. Once sworn in, no member may share anything discussed within the committee,” she clarified. She is consulting her party on whether to appear before the commission to refute the claims, questioning Mkhwanazi’s motives. “If he can be wrong on this, how many wrong things has he said?” she asked.
Former SAPS General Jeremy Vearey weighed in, saying Kohler Barnard’s comments were unnecessary and could have been handled through proper channels.
ANCYL Highlights Media Bias and Calls for Even-Handed Reporting
A key point in Malatji’s briefing was the perceived media bias in reporting corruption allegations. He noted that when accused individuals are from the ANC, their party affiliation is emphasised, but the same is not done for DA members. This, he argued, distorts public perception and undermines efforts to combat corruption across political lines.
The league’s NGC resolutions focused on youth empowerment, economic transformation, and fighting corruption, aligning with their support for the Madlanga Commission’s work. Malatji reiterated the need for the findings to lead to tangible outcomes, ensuring accountability and resource recovery.
Broader Implications for South African Politics and Police Integrity
The allegations against Kohler Barnard add to the Madlanga Commission’s explosive revelations, which have implicated multiple high-profile figures, including Cele and Mchunu. The inquiry’s focus on political killings in KZN, where over 200 have occurred since 2010, underscores systemic issues within SAPS.
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