Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee

By Thabo Mosia – Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee tasked with investigating serious allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration in South Africa’s criminal justice system is set to hear from three high-profile witnesses this week. The committee, formed following claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, will receive oral evidence starting Tuesday, 4 November 2025, in Room M46 of the Marks Building. Among those appearing is Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, as the probe digs deeper into issues that have shaken public trust in law enforcement.
The schedule, released by the committee chaired by Mr MS Lekganyane, outlines a packed week of hearings aimed at uncovering the truth behind Mkhwanazi’s statements. This comes after intense sessions last week, where former Police Minister Bheki Cele testified and Mkhwanazi retracted some allegations, prompting calls for further clarity.

Background on Mkhwanazi’s Allegations and the Committee’s Formation

The ad hoc committee was established by the National Assembly to probe Mkhwanazi’s explosive claims made during public statements and testimonies. The KZN commissioner alleged widespread political interference in policing, including politicians protecting criminals and drug kingpins. He specifically mentioned links between high-profile figures and suspects like Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged drug lord, and raised concerns about the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which investigated assassinations in the province.
Mkhwanazi’s allegations point to a “deep capture” of the state by criminal elements, with politicians allegedly shielding taxi bosses, gang leaders, and others involved in violence. These claims have ties to KZN’s ongoing issues with taxi wars, gang violence, and political killings, where over 200 cases remain unsolved. The committee’s mandate is to verify these assertions and recommend actions to restore integrity in the justice system.
The probe has already heard from key players, including Cele, who denied any wrongdoing and provided evidence to counter the accusations. During his testimony on 23 October 2025, evidence leader Norman Arendse read a message from Mkhwanazi apologising for falsely linking Cele to Matlala, stating the claims were found untrue after further checks.

This Week’s Scheduled Witnesses and Agendas

The committee’s hearings resume with a structured lineup of oral evidence:

Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 11:00 AM: Oral evidence from Dr PS Boshielo, Deputy Minister of Police. This session will likely focus on departmental responses to the allegations and oversight mechanisms.
Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 10:00 AM: Oral evidence from Professor F Cachalia, Acting Minister of Police. As the current stand-in for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Cachalia is expected to address ongoing reforms, the PKTT’s status, and measures to prevent interference.
Thursday, 6 November 2025, 10:00 AM: Oral evidence from Advocate A Johno, Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Johno will provide insights into corruption probes related to the claims.
Friday, 7 November 2025, 09:00 AM: Continued oral evidence from Advocate A Johno, allowing for deeper questioning on IDAC’s findings.
All sessions are in Room M46, Marks Building, and are open to the public via live streams on Parliament’s YouTube channel. The committee includes representatives from various parties, such as Julius Malema (EFF), Brett Herron (GOOD), and Zandile Majozi (IFP), ensuring diverse scrutiny.
Previous Testimonies and Calls for Mkhwanazi’s Return
Last week’s hearings were marked by drama, with Cele wrapping up his testimony after tough questions from MPs. Some committee members, frustrated by Mkhwanazi’s retraction, demanded he appear again to explain in writing why he withdrew the allegations against Cele. “We want Mkhwanazi to put his retraction in writing,” one MP stated, highlighting the need for accountability.
Cele denied financial ties to Matlala and criticised Mkhwanazi for making unverified claims. The committee also summoned businessman Brown Mogotsi as a priority witness, linked to similar allegations.
Reactions from Political Parties and Public
The probe has drawn strong reactions. The EFF’s Julius Malema, a committee member, has pushed for transparency, while the ANC’s Khusela Diko questioned the process for summoning witnesses like Matlala. The IFP’s Albert Mncwango grilled suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu on the PKTT’s disbandment, calling for answers on why critical investigations were halted.
Public interest is high, with civil society groups like Corruption Watch urging the committee to expose any state capture in policing. Residents in KZN, where violence claims hundreds of lives yearly, hope the inquiry leads to real reforms.

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Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee Gears Up for Key Testimonies in Probe into Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Allegations

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee

Background on Mkhwanazi’s Allegations and the Committee’s Formation

This Week’s Scheduled Witnesses and Agendas

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