Cape Town – 22 July 2025. In a move toward accountability, Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Police and Justice have adopted a report recommending the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate the serious allegations levelled by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The joint meeting, held on Tuesday, concluded that a dedicated parliamentary structure would be the most effective mechanism to thoroughly and transparently investigate the explosive Mkhwanazi allegations, which have cast a shadow over the country’s law enforcement and justice systems.
Parliamentary Committees Respond to Mkhwanazi Allegations
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi made headlines earlier this month after submitting a report alleging high-level interference in police operations, corruption, and obstruction of justice involving top officials—including individuals within the executive. While the full scope of his allegations has not been disclosed to the public, they are understood to implicate both current and former state actors.
Moreover, the joint meeting of the Police and Justice committees occurred on today, 22 July 2025, where the adopted report was presented and voted on. It recommends that both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces establish an ad hoc committee with the legal authority to investigate, hold hearings, summon witnesses, and report back to Parliament with actionable findings.
Structure, Powers and Scope of the Ad Hoc Committee
Once established, the ad hoc committee will have broad investigative powers. This includes subpoenaing individuals, reviewing internal government documents, conducting public hearings, and ultimately submitting a final report with recommendations to the National Assembly. Its structure is expected to be multi-party and representative of both Houses of Parliament.
According to parliamentary procedure, such committees are temporary but hold significant power to probe matters of national importance. In this case, the scope is expected to focus specifically on:
- Recommendations for reform or legal action where warranted
- The veracity of Mkhwanazi’s allegations
- The extent of political interference in policing
- Institutional failures within SAPS and related bodies
Parliament’s official statement emphasised the importance of transparency and urgency. “Given the gravity of the claims, it is in the public interest that these matters be ventilated openly and without delay,” the statement read.
The committees also noted that forming this committee reinforces Parliament’s oversight role and shows commitment to rooting out corruption within the ranks of the country’s institutions.
Political and Public Reaction
The allegations and Parliament’s swift response have drawn mixed reactions from political parties and civil society. Some advocacy groups have called for the immediate suspension of implicated individuals, while opposition parties are demanding that the committee operate in full view of the public, with no closed-door proceedings.
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi has not made public remarks since his submission to Parliament, but insiders suggest he has supplied documentation and witness statements to support his claims.
The matter now moves to the National Assembly and the NCOP, where a formal vote will be needed to establish the committee. If approved, members will be nominated by parties and given a clear mandate and timeline to report back with findings.
It remains unclear how long the process will take, but Parliament has committed to prioritising the matter.
To read the full press release, click here – MEDIA STATEMENT
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