In a bold escalation of tensions surrounding Parliament’s probe into alleged police corruption, civil rights group AfriForum has vowed to open a criminal case against Cedric Nkabinde, Chief of Staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The announcement comes just one day after Nkabinde’s dramatic testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee, where he accused AfriForum of conspiring with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and private investigator Paul O’Sullivan to sabotage the career of former Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel made the declaration in a video posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday morning, labeling Nkabinde’s claims as “deliberately false evidence” that warrants prosecution for perjury. “We will not stand idly by while our organization is smeared with baseless conspiracy theories,” Kriel stated in the footage. “Mr. Nkabinde must submit to a polygraph test to prove his allegations. I am more than willing to take one alongside him to demonstrate AfriForum’s innocence and transparency.”
The controversy erupted during Nkabinde’s appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee on Wednesday, which is investigating high-level corruption allegations within the South African Police Service (SAPS), including claims leveled by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. In a bombshell revelation, Nkabinde alleged that a clandestine meeting took place at O’Sullivan’s residence—previously owned by convicted Czech crime boss Radovan Krejčíř—to orchestrate Phahlane’s downfall. According to Nkabinde, attendees included former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride, the late IPID investigator Mandlakayise Mahlangu, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya (then head of the Gauteng Hawks), a crime intelligence operative named Candice, DA representatives, AfriForum officials, and a journalist.
“The purpose was clear: to plot against Phahlane and block his confirmation as National Commissioner,” Nkabinde testified. “AfriForum pledged funding for the operation, while O’Sullivan handled the surveillance to dig up dirt.” He further claimed international funders backed O’Sullivan’s efforts to meddle in SAPS affairs, painting a picture of a shadowy network undermining South Africa’s law enforcement leadership.
Kriel dismissed the accusations as “fiction designed to deflect from real issues in the police ministry.” He emphasized AfriForum’s track record of advocating for police accountability without engaging in conspiracies, adding that the group’s legal team is preparing to lodge the complaint with authorities imminently. “This is an attack on civil society, and we will defend our reputation vigorously,” Kriel said.
Nkabinde’s testimony has already drawn scrutiny, marking the second time in a week he’s faced perjury accusations. On November 13, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) filed a police complaint against him for providing conflicting dates in his affidavit regarding meetings between Mchunu and controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi. Nkabinde admitted to “thumb-sucking” details due to confiscated devices but was excused by the committee to revise his statement. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo decried the inconsistencies as a “direct attack on parliamentary integrity,” warning of broader implications for the corruption probe.
The Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane, has sought legal advice on Nkabinde’s credibility and plans to reconvene soon. DA MP Ian Cameron expressed frustration over the delays, while Patriotic Alliance’s Ashley Sauls called for uniform treatment of witnesses amid similar issues with Mkhwanazi’s earlier testimony.
As the dust settles, the feud highlights deepening rifts in South Africa’s political landscape, with civil groups like AfriForum clashing against government insiders. Whether Nkabinde’s polygraph challenge materializes remains to be seen, but it promises to intensify the spotlight on the beleaguered police ministry. AfriForum’s case filing could mark a pivotal moment, potentially unraveling—or reinforcing—the web of allegations at the heart of the inquiry.
