Mkhwanazi to lead testimonies in probe over alleged SAPS political interference

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, says he will be the first to testify when public hearings begin.

The committee, chaired by Molapi Lekganyane, met for over nine hours this week to finalise its draft Terms of Reference (ToR), which will guide the inquiry.

A revised version of the ToR, with all agreed amendments, will be circulated to members within two days for review ahead of formal adoption at the committee’s next sitting.

This follows a press briefing in July, where Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in police operations. 

Dressed in full Special Task Force combat gear, Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the high-profile Political Killings Task Team and the removal of 121 dockets from the unit.

He claimed the files, some of which reportedly contained instructions for arrest, linked politicians and prosecutors to organised crime syndicates.

“The dockets were locked away, the unit was disbanded, and officers were targeted. This was not the work of the national commissioner. This was orchestrated by Minister Mchunu,” Mkhwanazi said.

The Political Killings Task Team was established in 2019 following the 2016 Moerane Commission’s investigation into the root causes of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.

The commission made comprehensive recommendations to address political violence, leading to the formation of the task team with a mandate to investigate and resolve unresolved politically motivated murders, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhwanazi, a senior SAPS officer known for his firm stance against corruption and internal interference, said the move amounted to obstruction of justice.

His explosive claims sparked national uproar, with Mchunu denying the claims as “baseless,” and President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a judicial commission of inquiry into the matter.

Mchunu has since been placed on special leave pending the outcome of the investigations.

“In line with our mandate, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi will be the first person to appear before the committee,” said Lekganyane.

“This will ensure the process begins with the person who raised these serious concerns, setting the direction for our work.”

Lekganyane confirmed that the committee will appoint external legal counsel and has tasked Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office to begin the procurement process.

Witnesses will be required to submit sworn written statements, and the committee also committed to ensuring access to information and protection for whistleblowers under relevant legal provisions.

The Terms of Reference will be adopted at the committee’s next meeting, where its draft programme will also be discussed.

The committee is expected to conclude its work by 31 October 2025.

Political parties, civil society groups, and police unions have welcomed the inquiry, calling for full transparency and accountability. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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