Mkhwanazi ad hoc committee deadline now moved to March 31

THE National Assembly has extended the reporting deadline of the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to March 31.

The committee was due to submit its report on Friday before the National Assembly decision on Tuesday.

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the committee advised that parliamentary programme pressures — including the State of the Nation Address and related debates — significantly limited available hearing days, leaving insufficient time to complete evidence-gathering and compile its report to the House.

There were still other crucial witnesses the committee wanted to testify before concluding its work.

“The extension will enable the Committee to finalise hearings with the remaining witnesses and thereafter process and adopt its report before tabling it to the National Assembly.”

He said Ad hoc committees are established to assist the House in exercising oversight and accountability functions, and adequate time must be provided to ensure thorough, fair and procedurally sound consideration of evidence.

The ad hoc committee was established after Mkhwanazi levelled serious allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has since been placed on enforced leave. He alleged that Mchunu was at the centre of the capture of the SAPS by criminal syndicates. Mchunu has since denied the allegations.

Cape Times