Phahlane Requests Hearing Be Concluded by 8pm
Cape Town – Former acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane has asked the parliamentary ad hoc committee looking into national security issues to wrap up his questioning no later than 8pm this Wednesday evening. This request came during his appearance before the group, which is digging into claims of wrongdoing in the police service, as Phahlane shared his side of past events and faced tough questions from members. The hearing, part of a bigger probe sparked by serious accusations from a top KwaZulu-Natal officer, highlights ongoing worries about trust and fairness in South Africa’s law enforcement.
Phahlane’s call to end the session by 8pm points to the long hours often involved in these inquiries, where witnesses and committee members push through detailed talks that can stretch late. He made the plea amid a packed day of testimony, stressing the need for a clear cutoff to handle personal matters or rest after a full day. The committee, keen to keep things moving under a tight deadline, weighed the request while aiming to cover all key points without rushing the process.
The Ad Hoc Committee’s Mandate and Timeline
Set up in 2025, the ad hoc committee is tasked with checking out claims raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. These include hints of criminal networks sneaking into the justice system, corrupt deals, and meddling from politicians that could weaken police work. Mkhwanazi’s bold statements last year shook things up, leading to this special group of MPs to gather facts, hear from key people, and suggest fixes to make the system stronger.
The committee got a second and final extension from the National Assembly, pushing their end date to 20 February 2026. This gives them just over a month to finish hearings, review public input, and write a report that could shape police reforms. Oral sessions kicked off again on 14 January 2026, after a break over the holidays, with a focus on wrapping up witness talks by early February. They meet in committee rooms at Parliament, starting early in the morning and sometimes going into the evening to fit everything in.
Members have stressed the need for in-person appearances, turning down asks from some witnesses to join virtually due to safety fears. This rule aims to keep things open and allow for better back-and-forth questions. The group has already heard from figures like current national commissioner General Fannie Masemola, former minister Bheki Cele, and others tied to the claims, building a full picture of issues like task team shutdowns and shady dealings.
Phahlane’s Testimony and Background
Phahlane stepped up as the first witness in this new round of hearings, facing the spotlight on 14 January 2026. His time in the hot seat ties back to his role as acting commissioner in 2017, when he dealt with major shake-ups in police leadership. He has long fought claims of corruption, including probes into deals for police gear like blue lights and sirens, and perks from contractors. Phahlane denies these, calling them part of a targeted campaign against him.
During his evidence, Phahlane revisited his removal by then minister Fikile Mbalula, saying it skipped proper steps and was driven by bad media stories rather than hard facts. He described a quick meeting in Cape Town where Mbalula told him to step aside without clear next steps, leaving him in the lurch. Phahlane also touched on investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, which raided his home and seized items, leading to court fights where he won some points like back pay.
His past includes rising through ranks in forensics before the top job, but scandals hit hard. One big case links him to Forensic Data Analysts, a firm that got big police contracts amid questions of favours like home upgrades. Phahlane has pushed back, turning to the Public Protector for reviews and arguing most charges have dropped, leaving just a few ongoing. His story fits into wider police troubles, like misuse of spy tools and internal rivalries that waste time and money.
Key Witnesses Still to Come
After Phahlane, the committee plans to hear from more big names to round out their probe. Next up is crime intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, set for two days of questions. He leads a unit often at the centre of claims about secret ops gone wrong, including links to political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. Khumalo’s input could shed light on how intelligence is handled and if outside forces sway it.
Other lined-up witnesses include Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, former Independent Police Investigative Directorate boss Robert McBride, businessman Brown Mogotsi, and forensic sleuth Paul O’Sullivan. McBride, known for tough stances on police wrongdoing, might detail past probes into high-ups. O’Sullivan and Mogotsi bring outside views, with O’Sullivan’s work uncovering graft and Mogotsi tied to political networks. These sessions, spread over weeks, aim to connect dots on how corruption creeps in and blocks justice.
The committee has also opened doors for public say, inviting written views and planning spots for groups to speak. This adds voices from everyday people and watchdogs, helping spot patterns in issues like unlawful arrests, fake evidence, or slow cases that let crooks off the hook.
Broader Impact on South African Security
This inquiry goes beyond one person’s story, touching on the health of the whole police force. South Africa grapples with high crime rates, from street robberies to organised syndicates dealing in drugs and guns. Claims of inside rot erode public faith, making it harder for officers to do their jobs. The National Development Plan calls for a professional, independent service, but cases like this show gaps in oversight and quick fixes.
Experts say drawn-out probes cost taxpayers millions in paid suspensions and legal fees, while diverting focus from street safety. Phahlane’s request for an 8pm cutoff echoes calls for efficient processes that respect everyone’s time without skimping on truth-seeking. If the committee’s report leads to changes, like tighter rules on appointments or stronger anti-graft teams, it could rebuild trust and make policing more effective.
As hearings roll on, eyes stay on Parliament to see if this ad hoc group delivers real change. Phahlane’s day in the spotlight, capped by his plea to end on time, marks a step in unpacking complex issues that affect safety for all South Africans. The coming weeks will test if the system can clean itself up and serve the people better.
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