Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating corruption in the criminal justice system has resolved that South Africa’s police leadership will be the first to testify when the inquiry begins.
On Friday, MPs unanimously adopted the committee’s terms of reference, ending weeks of wrangling over how to handle classified information and whether an outside legal expert should be involved. With the framework now in place, the committee is preparing to call senior police officials to account.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane confirmed that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who first raised the corruption allegations, will be the opening witness. He will be followed by national police commissioner Fannie Masemola and Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave.
“The first institution that will appear before the committee will be the SAPS. And the first person in the SAPS will be General Mkhwanazi and then another four, including General Fannie Masemola and Minister Mchunu,” said Lekganyane.
The committee will formally write to the identified witnesses, who must submit their statements at least seven days before appearing in person.
The hearings are expected to be a defining moment for Parliament’s effort to clean up the criminal justice system and restore public trust in policing.