The Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of corruption in the police and criminal justice system wrapped up its six-month inquiry last week. Key testimonies came from KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, President Cyril Ramaphosa, forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo. Police officials, ministers, and criminal justice stakeholders face the fallout. This matters now as ongoing probes could spark accountability steps amid worries over political meddling in law enforcement.
Mkhwanazi gave his second testimony to the committee. He said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was wrong to disband the Political Killings Task Team, or PKTT. Mkhwanazi claimed Mchunu faced pressure from people against the unit.
Mkhwanazi also shared new evidence against Mchunu. This included a handwritten letter from an inmate who shared a cell with alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. The letter claims Mchunu got payments and told the inmate to sign an affidavit saying he knew nothing about Matlala.
The letter mentions a meeting in Durban between Mkhwanazi and Matlala. Mkhwanazi said this detail had not come up before in hearings.
On the last day, Ramaphosa submitted his views. He said Mchunu did not consult him enough before disbanding the PKTT in December 2024. Ramaphosa also challenged Mchunu’s claim that the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the PKTT ended with the old government.
Paul O’Sullivan testified but walked out early. He faces contempt of Parliament charges. He also deals with claims of meddling in IPID and police cases.
Dumisani Khumalo, head of Crime Intelligence and former PKTT leader, spoke of political interference in the unit’s end.
The inquiry lasted nearly six months. It heard from at least 16 witnesses and got over 200 public submissions. Most came in writing.
Mkhwanazi first testified in October last year. He returned with these fresh claims. The PKTT focused on political killings. Mchunu shut it down amid disputes.
O’Sullivan works as a forensic investigator. He faces separate probes over his role in police and IPID matters.
Khumalo led Crime Intelligence and the PKTT. His input pointed to outside pressures on key choices.
Coverage noted key points from Mkhwanazi’s talks. It also showed O’Sullivan leaving the hearing.
These claims against Mchunu could stir political issues. Ramaphosa’s unhappiness shows rifts inside government.
Police trust may suffer more from these corruption probes. The public already questions the criminal justice system.
Testimonies are verified facts from hearings. But allegations like payments remain unproven. Outcomes depend on proof.
Mchunu had failed to adequately consult [me] before disbanding the PKTT.
Ramaphosa’s words highlight the consultation gap.
The committee now drafts its report. Members will review and debate it.
They will send the final version to the National Assembly for approval.
Related coverage expects more big-name talks in 2026.
Conversation
0 Comments