Witness list grows as Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigates Lt-General Mkhwanazi's explosive claims

Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has expanded its list of potential witnesses, following a virtual sitting on Friday aimed at finalising names to be summoned.

Previously, the committee had compiled a list of 13 individuals who could be called to testify regarding alleged political interference in policing matters and other serious claims raised by Mkhwanazi.

During Friday’s session, political parties across the spectrum submitted additional names, resulting in a significantly lengthened witness list and debate over who should or should not be included.

Ad hoc committee chairperson Molapi Lekganyane opened proceedings by confirming the two unresolved matters: the finalisation of additional names and the status of committee members who may be mentioned or implicated during the hearings.

Referring to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) previous request regarding DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard, Lekganyane asked for confirmation of their position.

This follows tensions earlier in last week, when the committee met to discuss whether DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard should remain on the committee after being named during Mkhwanazi’s public testimony at the Madlanga Commission.

He accused her of unlawfully using classified information to undermine the Crime Intelligence unit, a claim that raised questions about a potential conflict of interest.

Lekganyane stressed that Kohler Barnard was merely “mentioned” and not “implicated,” and said no assumptions would be made until Mkhwanazi addressed the committee directly.

Democratic Alliance MP Glynnis Breytenbach confirmed Kohler Barnard had been named but defended her continued participation: “Yes, it is so that General Mkhwanazi mentioned the Honourable Kohler Barnard, and so certainly there is room for a perceived conflict. But we believe it would set a dangerous precedent to remove her simply on that basis. If a real conflict arises, she will act appropriately.”

“You have correctly presented our argument,” said DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach. “At the moment there's nothing but conjecture, and we see no reason for the Honourable Kohler Barnard to recuse herself at this point. She is very acutely aware of the responsibilities regarding a conflict, and should such a conflict arise, she will act accordingly, but that has not yet arisen.”

The African National Congress (ANC), represented by MP Khusela Diko, indicated that it would not be submitting any new names. “The African National Congress will not be adding names, Chair. Thank you,” she stated.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) added three names to the list: prosecutor Tyler Shabalala, Brian Padayachee from the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), and Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

MKP MP David Skosana explained the motivation: “These were the three which Sibonelo Nomvalo came with. The motivation is based on their relevance to state capture issues and previous mentions by General Mkhwanazi.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) proposed two new names and raised objections to another. MP Ian Cameron recommended Lieutenant-General Peter Jacobs, formerly of Crime Intelligence, and MMC Jean-Pierre Smith from the City of Cape Town.

“General Jacobs might be able to enlighten us quite a bit, especially because he’s been in that environment for so long,” said Cameron. Regarding Smith, he cited “public allegations that Minister  Mchunu had private briefings about the raid on his office earlier in 2025,” alleging that certain MPs were informed beforehand.

Cameron also strongly objected to the inclusion of former advocate Malesela Teffo, describing him as “discredited and unfit to contribute to the process.”

“He was struck off the roll by the Gauteng High Court in 2022. His appeal was dismissed in 2024, and he’s now reportedly been sending threatening messages to parliamentary staff,” said Cameron. “We don’t see how someone like that can add value to this process.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) submitted the most extensive list, 20 names, via email and confirmed them in the meeting.

These included President Cyril Ramaphosa, former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola, Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie, as well as several senior police and intelligence officials.

EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys confirmed the list, and party leader Julius Malema motivated for each name.

“Minister McKenzie said he wants to be called because he’s got a lot to say,” said Malema. “He has information about the criminal syndicate that is taking place in this country.”

He added that President Ramaphosa and former ministers should testify about alleged political interference: “General Mkhwanazi says a minister was sent to his house to talk about the removal of the Mudlu's case. These are serious allegations, and we must test them.”

On Deputy National Police Commissioners Tebello Mosikili and Francinah Vuma, Malema said their inclusion was crucial due to their roles in the operational structure of the police.

He also supported the call to exclude former advocate Teffo, as well as Deputy Ministers Cassel Mathale and Dr Polley Boshielo, arguing they “have no executive authority” and are “not implicated anywhere.”

“We plead with honourable members: malesela [Teffo] has got nothing to offer. He must be removed. We are not a platform for gossipers,” Malema said. “We need people who are going to help us save the justice system of South Africa.”

Other names submitted by the EFF included:

• Godfrey Lebeya, Hawks Head

• Andrea Johnson, IDAC Head

• Glynnis Breytenbach (DA)

• Fadiel Adams (National Coloured Congress)

• Ian Cameron (DA)

• Cedric Nkabinde, Police Chief of Staff

• Julius Mkhwanazi, Acting Ekurhuleni Metro Police Chief

• Melusi Mlandu, former Executive Director, City of Johannesburg

• Herman Mashaba, former Johannesburg Mayor

• Johannes Mokgatle, Metro Police Officer

• Brown Mogotsi, alleged political mediator

• Vusimuzi Matlala, key figure in earlier testimonies and

• Katiso Molefe

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), represented by MP Mangaqa  Mncwango, and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), through MP Ashley Sauls, confirmed they had no additional names to propose.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

IOL Politics