“Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on National Security Resumes Hearings Thursday”

Cape Town – Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on National Security is gearing up to pick up where it left off, resuming its crucial hearings on Thursday, 27 February 2026, with two key witnesses returning to the stand to wrap up their testimonies. This comes as the committee digs deeper into serious claims of criminal networks infiltrating the police, corruption, and political meddling in South Africa’s justice system. For ordinary citizens worried about safety and trust in law enforcement, these sessions offer a chance to uncover truths that could lead to real reforms, especially in hotspots like KwaZulu-Natal where everyday crime hits hardest.

The Committee’s Mandate: Probing Deep-Rooted Issues

Formed to investigate explosive allegations from KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the ad hoc committee is zeroing in on how criminal elements might have wormed their way into the South African Police Service. Mkhwanazi’s claims, made public last year, point to syndicates pulling strings behind the scenes, influencing everything from arrests to investigations. This includes worries about procurement deals gone wrong at both provincial and national levels, where money meant for police gear or operations ends up in the wrong pockets.

The committee, chaired by ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane, has already heard from a range of voices, including top cops, forensic experts, and civil society groups. Its work is not just about finger-pointing—it aims to recommend fixes to clean up the system, like tighter oversight on police bosses and better ways to root out corruption. For someone new to this, an ad hoc committee is a temporary team set up by Parliament for a specific job, like this probe, with a deadline to report back. Originally due to wrap up by October 2025, extensions have pushed it to 31 March 2026, giving more time to sift through evidence and question witnesses without rushing.

Returning Witnesses: O’Sullivan and Phahlane Take the Spotlight

Thursday’s session will see private forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan back before the committee after his earlier appearance was cut short due to severe back pain. O’Sullivan, known for his no-nonsense digs into fraud and corruption, is expected to dive into details about alleged shady dealings in police ranks. His insights could shed light on how outsiders meddle in official probes, drawing from his years of exposing scams that cost the country billions.

Joining him is former Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, who will finish his testimony. Phahlane has faced his own share of scrutiny in the past over claims of dodgy tenders and misuse of funds during his time at the top. His return is key, as the committee wants clarity on leadership decisions that might have opened doors to interference. Both witnesses’ inputs could tie into bigger questions, like how political figures or business bigwigs sway police actions, affecting everything from street-level crime fighting to national security.

These hearings build on earlier ones where the committee grilled figures like Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and former Independent Police Investigative Directorate head Robert McBride. Their stories painted a picture of a force under pressure, with internal rifts and external pulls that weaken its ability to protect the public.

Broader Probes and Presidential Involvement

The committee is not stopping at oral testimonies—it plans to fire off a list of over 100 questions to President Cyril Ramaphosa by the end of Wednesday, seeking his take on issues like the setup and shutdown of specialised units. There is ongoing debate among members about whether the President should appear in person or just send written answers. Some argue a face-to-face session would show transparency, while others say a detailed response in writing covers the bases without dragging out proceedings.

This ties into wider concerns raised in submissions from the public and experts. For instance, talks have swirled around alleged CIA links or foreign influences in local affairs, though some witnesses like Brown Mogotsi have pulled back wild claims, such as labelling Mkhwanazi and Zulu King Misuzulu as agents. The committee has sifted through these, focusing on solid evidence over rumours, to avoid turning the inquiry into a sideshow.

Other upcoming slots include spots for more witnesses like F Adams from the National Civilian Committee and political figures like Debbie Schafer. The evidence leaders, who guide the process like neutral referees, will also weigh in on whether to call extra generals whose names popped up, ensuring only relevant voices add value before the March deadline.

Human Cost and Calls for Reform

At its core, this inquiry hits home for families across South Africa who have lost loved ones to crime or seen justice delayed by a broken system. In KwaZulu-Natal alone, where Mkhwanazi leads the charge, communities deal with taxi wars, gang violence, and drug rings that thrive when police are compromised. The committee’s work could lead to stronger laws, like better whistleblower protections or independent audits of police spending, making it harder for crooks to hide in the shadows.

Civil society groups have chipped in with ideas, pushing for more community involvement in oversight to rebuild trust. For rural areas or townships where cops are often seen as distant or biased, reforms could mean quicker responses to calls and fairer investigations. The extensions show Parliament’s seriousness, but they also test patience—people want action, not just talk.

Looking Ahead: Deadlines and Potential Outcomes

With the clock ticking to 31 March, Thursday’s resumption ramps up the pace. The committee will tackle housekeeping like witness schedules and review correspondence from the Speaker on tricky issues, such as subpoenas for reluctant testifiers. Once done, a final report will go to the National Assembly, possibly sparking new laws or shake-ups in police leadership.

For South Africans, this is about more than hearings— it is a step towards a safer country where national security means protecting everyone, not just the powerful. As the ad hoc committee presses on, hopes are high that its findings will spark the changes needed to heal a fractured system and restore faith in those sworn to serve.

🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 129: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Ngwathe Citizen Forum: Council Now Would Undermine Progress🔴

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