Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has strongly challenged the parliamentary committee’s decision to compel KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to take an oath before providing a written statement. The dispute arose during a heated session of the Portfolio Committee on Police, which is investigating allegations of political interference and police misconduct in the province.
Malema, who serves as a member of the committee, argued that forcing Mkhwanazi to take an oath without first presenting a statement would undermine the principles of fairness and due process. He said it was improper for Parliament to “ambush” witnesses without clear guidance on the issues they were expected to address.
“You cannot place a senior police officer under oath and interrogate him blindly without a prior written submission,” Malema insisted. “That is not how oversight works. We are not a court of law – we are a committee of Parliament tasked with seeking clarity, not creating confusion.”
The committee had earlier resolved that Mkhwanazi should testify under oath to ensure the integrity of his account amid growing concerns about alleged political interference in policing operations across KwaZulu-Natal. However, some members supported Malema’s position, warning that bypassing standard procedures could set a dangerous precedent for future parliamentary inquiries.
ANC committee members reportedly pushed back, arguing that Mkhwanazi’s testimony was urgent and necessary for transparency. They maintained that the commissioner’s oath would reinforce public trust and accountability within the police service, especially amid reports of rising factional tensions within law enforcement ranks.
Chairperson of the committee, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, sought to calm the dispute, emphasizing the need for cooperation between all parties. She noted that Parliament’s oversight work must balance transparency with procedural fairness.
“Our goal is not to intimidate anyone but to ensure that the truth is established,” Joemat-Pettersson said. “We will communicate with the commissioner to determine the best way forward in accordance with parliamentary rules.”
Mkhwanazi’s testimony is expected to shed light on the operational challenges faced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly around allegations of political influence and inadequate resourcing in crime-fighting initiatives.
The EFF leader’s intervention has once again highlighted tensions between political accountability and institutional independence — a recurring theme in South Africa’s oversight processes. The committee is expected to reconvene next week to decide whether the commissioner will first submit a written statement or appear directly under oath.