The Parliamentary committee investigating serious allegations made by former acting Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli against suspended ANC MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson, and more recently by former police commissioner Khehla Sitole Mkhwanazi, has formally requested all potential witnesses to submit sworn written statements.
This comes as part of efforts to speed up the probe into explosive claims that Joemat-Pettersson and two other senior ANC MPs allegedly attempted to solicit a bribe from Mkhwanazi in exchange for the halting of the parliamentary investigation into his conduct during his tenure as commissioner.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the committee said sworn testimony will allow it to “assess the credibility, relevance, and consistency of each account” as it works to determine whether parliamentary ethics and conduct rules were violated.
Committee chairperson Nomvula Mokonyane said the decision was driven by the need for fairness, accuracy, and legal clarity. “We want to ensure that this process is not only transparent but also grounded in law. Sworn affidavits will help prevent speculation and protect the rights of all involved.”
The committee has faced public pressure following Mkhwanazi’s public disclosure of WhatsApp messages and recorded calls, allegedly implicating several parliamentarians in unethical behavior. While some of the MPs named have denied wrongdoing, calls for accountability have grown louder across party lines and civil society.
Legal experts say sworn statements could help the committee build a clearer picture of what transpired behind closed doors.
Witnesses have been given until 21 August 2025 to file their submissions, which will be considered confidential until the committee deems otherwise.
The final report is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, potentially reshaping the public’s trust in its elected officials.