Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s lawyers have sent a letter to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, arguing that the evidence leader’s report has pre empted the process by making a conclusion against Mchunu before the committee has made its own findings.
Last week, the evidence leader indicated adverse findings against Mchunu. The committee is investigating concerns of national security arising from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the justice system. The allegations led to Mchunu being placed on special leave.
Parliament’s legal advisor Andile Tetyana said the minister’s lawyers argue that the evidence leaders have preempted the process by making findings across the entire scope of the terms of reference, yet the committee is required to make its own independent judgment. He added that the minister’s lawyers submit that this approach is prejudicial to their client’s rights.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said the action is premature. He said the minister himself knows parliamentary procedures and that at this stage the committee does not have any report. He explained that draft reports have been received and are before the committee for consideration, but the committee has not yet made any findings.