Malema demands answers on Ad Hoc Committee's delay in draft terms of reference

EFF leader Julius Malema wants answers to why the draft terms of reference for the Ad Hoc Committee into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, have not been circulated.

Malema wrote to the committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, on Thursday, stating that the committee’s meeting agreed that the terms of reference would be circulated to all parties by the end of Tuesday.

“The decision was made based on unsolicited information provided by the legal team present at the meeting, and it was intended to allow parties to contribute their inputs into the terms of reference with submission due by midday, Friday, 8 August 2025,” he said.

Malema said the terms of reference had not been circulated, compromising their ability to prepare their submission promptly.

He added that they learnt that the terms of reference were still in preparation on Thursday.

“What is the reason for the delay in circulating the draft terms of reference to the parties involved? he asked in his letter to Lekganyane.

Malema wanted to know who constituted the management committee that was responsible for the drafting of the terms of reference and how many legal professionals were assigned to the committee.

“This committee is tasked with handling a very sensitive matter, and should at all times aim to demonstrate the seriousness with which it views the task at hand,” he stated.

Lekganyane could not to be reached for comment as the person who answered his cellphone said he was not available.

The committee was formed after the National Assembly adopted a report from the portfolio committees on Police and Justice and Constitutional Development, which were requested to consider the appropriate approach to deal with the allegations.

It is composed of an 11-member committee with four members coming from the ANC, two each from the DA and the MK Party, one member from the EFF, and two representatives to be recommended by other parties.

The committee has until October 31 to report to the National Assembly.

The committee’s terms of reference include the alleged unlawful decision by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team.

It will also examine the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the Political Killings Task Team on the direction of Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and the alleged moratorium by Mchunu on filling vacancies within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit.

The committee will also scrutinise the nature and the implications of the relationship between SAPS senior leadership and certain members of the public.

It will also probe whether the awarding of the R360 million contract to Vusumuzi Matlala’s company for the provision of healthcare services to the SAPS was irregular.

The alleged interference by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption in police matters, including judicial issues, will form part of its focus, as well as consider the need for legislative policy and institutional reform to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za