EFF Leader Julius Malema Demands Answers Over Delays in Mkhwanazi Probe Terms of Reference.
By Bongane Tshabalala
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema, has written to the chairperson of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating serious claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In his letter, Malema raises worries about why the draft terms of reference for the probe have not been shared yet, even though the committee agreed to do so after its first meeting on 5 August 2025. This delay, he says, makes it hard for parties to prepare their inputs on time.
Background to the Serious Allegations Shaking South Africa’s Police Force
The Ad Hoc Committee was set up by Parliament about two weeks ago, following a joint suggestion from the Portfolio Committees on Police and Justice and Constitutional Development. This came after shocking statements made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing on 6 July 2025. As the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Mkhwanazi accused top officials in the South African Police Service of deep corruption, political meddling, and working with criminals.
His claims pointed to the unlawful ending of the Political Killings Task Team, which was looking into murders in the province. He said this happened on orders from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. More details include a R360 million healthcare tender given to a company connected to murder-accused businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala. Mkhwanazi also spoke about Sibiya taking away 121 important case files, a ban by Mchunu on filling jobs in the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit, and corrupt links between senior police leaders and outsiders.
These accusations have hurt public trust in law enforcement. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa put Minister Mchunu on special leave and started a separate Commission of Inquiry, led by retired judge Justice Mandisa Maya, who was deputy to former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. This commission runs alongside the parliamentary probe. The Ad Hoc Committee must give its findings to the National Assembly by 31 October 2025, making sure it does not clash with the other inquiry, especially on witnesses.
The committee has 11 members from different parties, showing South Africa’s mix of political voices. They include Julius Malema from the EFF, Ian Cameron and Glynnis Breytenbach from the DA, Khusela Sangoni and Mdumiseni Ntuli from the ANC, David Skosana from the MK Party, Athol Trollip from ActionSA, Albert Mncwango from the IFP, Kenny Kunene from the Patriotic Alliance, and Wouter Wessels from the Freedom Front Plus. This group aims to give strong checks, but early arguments show it might be tough to stay fair.
Public feeling has been strong in support of Mkhwanazi, with calls like “Hands off Mkhwanazi” campaigns in provinces. Some politicians, including from the EFF and MK Party, have warned that harm to Mkhwanazi could cause big trouble, saying “South Africa will see fire” if anything happens to him. They see him as a brave fighter against crime syndicates that have taken over parts of the police, judiciary, and even Parliament. Malema has gone further, saying the country cannot afford to lose Mkhwanazi when his contract ends in December 2025. He wants Mkhwanazi kept in the force and given a national role, as KwaZulu-Natal is now “too small” for him. Malema even offered Mkhwanazi a spot in the EFF if he gets fired for speaking out.
The allegations go deep, talking about a drug cartel in Gauteng controlling a big criminal group that reaches into the SAPS, Police Ministry, prisons, courts, and more. Mkhwanazi said this syndicate protects political killings and organised crime. Other voices, like from the National Coloured Congress, doubt the claims, saying Mkhwanazi might be shifting focus from other issues, such as possible arrests of top cops like National Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
Inaugural Meeting Sets a Tense Tone for the Inquiry
The committee’s first meeting happened on Tuesday, 6 August 2025, even though Parliament was on break. It focused on picking a chairperson under National Assembly Rule 158. Staff introduced themselves, including secretaries Baba and Tuli Ganyazalo, coordinator Senoba, content advisors Nicoletas for police and Christine Silkstone for justice, researcher Muzako, communications officer Raja Azakani, Speaker’s office rep Zelma Jansen, and legal services members Katusa, Andid, and Zingisani.
Members present included Malema, Mate, Mncwango, Souls, Vessels, and James. Nominations started with Bulli suggesting ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane, who got support. Lekganyane, from Limpopo with experience in local government, finance checks, and a law degree among his four qualifications, took the role without challenge.
There was a small surprise when Kosana nominated Malema, with Nvalo seconding. But Malema said no, explaining his busy schedule as EFF commander-in-chief, with party work and other Parliament duties. With no other names, Lekganyane became chairperson, showing the tricky mix in this multiparty group amid the scandal.
In his speech, Lekganyane thanked everyone and stressed the committee’s job in handling “matters of grave concern” from Mkhwanazi. He mentioned Ramaphosa’s worry and the need to build back trust in bodies, pointing to an Afrobarometer survey showing only 27% faith in Parliament. He called for unity across parties like ANC, DA, MK Party, EFF, ActionSA, IFP, Patriotic Alliance, and Freedom Front Plus to speak for those without voice and victims. He promised to “raise the flag of Parliament” and fix seen weaknesses.
Talks then moved to making terms of reference and a plan, even though the agenda was limited. Lekganyane suggested the secretariat, with legal help, draft and send these by Friday’s end for review and inputs before the next meeting.
Scosana worried about time, suggesting finish by Friday as recess ends soon, then constituency work. He wanted August activities in KwaZulu-Natal for ease, like travel and no clashes with the presidential commission in Durban, to keep witnesses free.
Others agreed, with Vessels warning against full move after recess due to Cape Town duties. Mate said parties should send written ideas on terms to the secretariat for the first draft to save time. She stressed the committee’s freedom from the commission, not to follow it.
Mncwango suggested free spots like council halls to cut costs and clear terms for calling jailed criminals on drug cartels. Kosana recalled past fails like the Chris Hani inquiry, urging no shielding of ranks to avoid waste and bring back respect.
Lekganyane agreed to send drafts soon, with inputs due by Friday midday via a new WhatsApp group. He said legal services would guide on calling prisoners, noting issues like rules for presidential guards in jail.
Heated Clash Over Legal Advisor’s Comment on Evidence
Things got hot when a Parliament legal services person, answering Sangoni on the plan, said Mkhwanazi’s 6 July statements were “not evidence in a technical sense” and needed proof through sworn words and checks. This caused quick anger.
Malema warned the legal team not to brush off Mkhwanazi’s claims, calling it “very dismissive” and a bad start. He said staff should give technical help without politics, and the committee would decide on evidence. Others like Kosana and James felt upset, asking why the chief legal advisor was missing and wanting strong base.
Lekganyane said the comment was personal, and terms would set evidence rules. He suggested a virtual meeting next week, maybe Tuesday, to okay terms and plan, focusing on saving money.
Later, party worries came up when James from ActionSA said she was uneasy with an ANC chair on a probe hitting ANC-linked people, noting public tiredness with committees. Malema backed this in an EFF statement the night before, urging Government of National Unity parties to skip chair picks for trust.
Scosana and others saw it as a lost chance for neutral lead, like past SCOPA cases. Defenders like Souls and Saul stood by the vote, as it was not fought after Malema’s no.
Lekganyane asked for respect and care, reminding of their oath to the Republic’s laws, not parties. He urged dropping biases to find truth and fixes, giving all equal say, including James.
Malema also pushed for the terms to include calling prisoners who know about crime groups, saying the committee should hear from them to get full facts.
Malema’s Formal Letter Highlights Delays and Calls for Clarity
On Thursday, 7 August 2025, Malema sent a letter to Lekganyane, noting the first meeting on 5 August. It said the meeting decided to send draft terms of reference to all by day’s end on 5 August. This was based on info from the legal team, to let parties add ideas by midday on Friday, 8 August.
But the drafts were not sent, hurting their prep. The EFF office checked with the secretary and heard the terms are still being made. They were told it would finish that day.
So, Malema asked:
1. What is the reason for the delay in circulating the draft Terms of Reference to the parties involved?
2. Who constitutes the Management Committee that was referred to in the Committee, which management committee was to be responsible for drafting these Terms of Reference?
3. How many legal professionals have been appointed to assist this committee with its work? And are all these professionals sourced from within parliament or have there been those in private practice who have been appointed to assist this Committee?
He stressed the committee handles a sensitive issue and must show seriousness. He wanted a quick reply.
This letter shows growing frustration with the process, as the probe aims to dig into claims that could change how South Africa fights crime and corruption.
Parallel Commission of Inquiry and Broader Implications
Alongside the committee, the Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga will look into the same claims. It will sit in Gauteng and cost taxpayers R147.9 million. Malema has called this commission a “bluff” and not needed, saying it wastes money that could go to school food or jobless youth. He wants Mchunu fired now, not on leave.
The inquiry will check if claims are true, including ties to syndicates in drugs, guns, and killings. Politicians like Malema say more cops should speak out, and communities like in Mitchells Plain should name drug lords and protectors.
The scandal has sparked debate on SAPS reforms, with the DA pushing for big changes. It shows failures in leadership, like meddling that hurts crime fights. Public polls show low trust, and this probe could help fix that or show more problems.
As the committee works, eyes are on if it stays fair and quick. With deadlines near and tensions high, South Africans wait for answers on if leaders will clean up the force and protect brave voices like Mkhwanazi.
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