By Mpho Moloi
Cape Town – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has spoken out strongly against any moves to ignore public input in the parliamentary inquiry into claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He called it an “abuse of power” if officials quietly set aside submissions without letting committee members decide.
Malema made these comments during a key meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee set up to look into Mkhwanazi’s serious allegations of political meddling and corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS). The committee is gearing up for its first public hearings next week, with Mkhwanazi himself due to testify on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
This comes as the committee wrapped up a planning session on Friday, 3 October 2025, where members talked about security plans, how stand-in members can take part, and the step-by-step plan for the hearings. The group also dealt with witness statements and how to handle the growing number of public tips coming in. Malema stressed that since the committee asked people to share their stories, every single one – whether short or long – must go before the members for a fair look. Only they should pick which ones matter enough to follow up on.
Tense Preparations Ahead of High-Stakes Hearings
The Ad Hoc Committee, made up of 11 members from different parties, met to iron out details before the big sessions kick off. Chaired by an African National Congress (ANC) member, the group includes four from the ANC, two each from the MK Party (MKP) and Democratic Alliance (DA), one from the EFF, and two spots for smaller parties like the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Patriotic Alliance (PA). They also have seven stand-ins, or alternates, to fill in if needed.
A big part of the talk was about these alternates and how much they can join in. Rules say alternates only step up as full members if the main one is away or leaves the spot empty. Otherwise, they can speak on issues but not vote, and the chair can set fair limits. Some members worried about fairness, especially for alternates from smaller parties who might feel left out. In the end, they agreed to stick to the rules but let the chair use good judgement to give alternates a chance to chip in if time allows, without bending things too far.
Security was another hot topic. Lieutenant-General Sam Sthembiso Mkhize gave a short update, saying everything is ready for the hearings at the Good Hope Chamber in Parliament. He kept details light since the meeting was live on TV, but promised extra measures are in place, including round-the-clock checks and help from national and local forces. Members asked about safety for everyone coming and going, and how the public might attend without causing chaos.
Witness Line-Up and Statements Under the Spotlight
The committee nailed down who speaks first. Mkhwanazi goes up on day one, led by evidence leaders like senior counsel Norman Arendse. They will guide him through his claims, focusing on new bits and how they tie into the committee’s job – checking for political interference in police work. National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola follows on Thursday, then former top cop General Khehla Sitole, ex-ministers Bheki Cele and Nathi Mthethwa (whose recent death in France has added a sad twist), current minister Senzo Mchunu, acting minister Firoz Cachalia, and two deputies.
Arendse explained the plan: hearings start at 9am sharp on Tuesday. The chair opens, introduces everyone, and lets evidence leaders make a starting statement. Then Mkhwanazi gets sworn in and questioned. Day one is mostly for laying out facts, with members jumping in only if something big needs clearing up right away. Questions from the committee come on day two, with time split fairly – about 30 minutes per member, but parties can share if they want.
Witness statements were a sticking point. Members wanted them three working days before hearings, but Mkhwanazi’s only landed late Friday. Arendse said it’s under wraps until testimony starts, to keep things fair. He promised better timing ahead, blaming delays on digging up old files and talking to witnesses. The team is stretched thin but working flat out, he added, asking for a short break between phases if more witnesses get added.
Malema’s Push for Full Transparency and Big Names
Malema did not hold back in the meeting, repeating his call for no shortcuts. He slammed any back-room filtering of public tips, saying it goes against why they asked for input in the first place. The deadline for submissions is 17 October 2025, and so far, dozens have come in – some about rape cases, unfair firings, or other gripes. A few got turned away by staff, sparking uproar. The chair agreed that’s wrong; all must come to the committee for a group call on what’s relevant.
Earlier, Malema accused the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) chair of dragging feet, maybe even sabotaging things. He wants the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) to meet evidence leaders for classified info, but that’s stalled. Malema also pushed for a longer witness list, including President Cyril Ramaphosa (named in Madlanga testimony about disbanding a killings task team), Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie (who claims syndicate knowledge), businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala, alleged kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe, Ladies Adams, and Julius Mkhwanazi. “The rot is humongous,” Malema said, arguing the list can’t be cut just to save time.
This builds on Malema’s past blasts at the committee for being “toothless” without subpoenas. He once called Mkhwanazi’s public claims “not evidence” in a legal sense but urged treating them seriously from the start.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube