‘We are being abused’: Ad hoc committee clash over witnesses, evidence in Mkhwanazi inquiry report
The preliminary report, which is now in its fourth draft, runs to about 800 pages.
Parliament's ad hoc committee examining allegations of political misconduct within police forces engaged in a contentious discussion over testimonies and evidence during a meeting on Thursday, 13 August 2026. The committee, which had already concluded witness examinations in March, was working on a final report based on the evidence gathered.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed concern over the accuracy of findings based on hearsay and untested evidence, warning against including such information in the committee's final report. Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane emphasized that the committee's report should uphold the necessary standards and principles, and cautioned against becoming a laughing stock.
The ANC proposed using the balance of probabilities to determine if Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was connected to an alleged cartel and if the disbandment of a task team was intended to benefit the cartel. The ANC also suggested that referrals should only be made for further investigation if prima facie evidence justified it. The MK party criticized the committee's scope of investigation, arguing that it had primarily focused on the South African Police Service (Saps) and had not adequately examined allegations involving other institutions.
They also objected to senior Crime Intelligence official Feroz Khan not being called to testify, as some of the allegations against him should have been tested through his testimony. FF Plus MP Wouter Wessels argued that the report should not document dissenting and majority positions, and that dissenting views should be recorded according to Rule 166 of the National Assembly rules.
The draft report noted that no findings would be made against businessman Katiso "KT" Molefe and Tembisa Hospital looting kingpin Hangwani Morgan Maumela, who were alleged to be members of a cartel. The committee was expected to reconvene the following day to continue its consideration of the report.
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