Ad Hoc Committee Wraps up Engagement With LT Gen Mkhwanazi

The Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations made by the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, yesterday concluded its oral hearings with Lt Gen Mkhwanazi.

This follows two long days of evidence in chief, followed by hours of questioning by members of the committee.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Molapi Soviet Lekganyane, said the meeting went smoothly today, while yesterday was an opportunity for the evidence leader to lead the witness during his testimony in chief. Members of the committee used the full day today to engage with Lt Gen Mkhwanazi on his sworn statement.

During the Lieutenant General's testimony, the committee heard about the sudden order to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), allegations of political interference and the involvement of criminals in decision-making processes. The committee further heard that the PKTT was allegedly doing well and its existence was justified, particularly in the context of next year's fast-approaching elections.

Mkhwanazi is back on the stand on Wednesday to answer questions from committee members.

African National Congress MP Mr Xola Nqola asked Lt Gen Mkhwanazi about his safety concerns and whether he feels threatened in any way. "Are you safe? Is your family threatened and do you feel like there's enough protection in terms of the fracas that is going on in the country?"

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi replied that while he cannot give any guarantees about his family's safety and he is relying on the police for security. "I don't have money to hire bodyguards for my family members. It's impossible, I cannot do that. So, their safety can only be guaranteed by men and women in blue that are out there to protect everyone else."

The committee also heard that in all likelihood Pres Cyril Ramaphosa was unaware of the disbandment of PKTT.

Committee member Mr Ashley Sauls asked the Lt Gen Mkhwanazi to comment on whether Minister Senzo Mchunu is corrupt. He responded by saying that investigators are working to find the source of money in a trust account in the Minister Mchunu's name. He went on to say that he would not say the Minister is corrupt per se because of what has happened. "…we are now looking at the trust account that the minister owns. That is how deep we are going. We want to find out what is happening in that trust account. What monies are in there and how they came in there and how they are being dispatched."

Asked to comment on whether he thought deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is corrupt, Lt Gen Mkhwanazi said he has not yet presented evidence to the committee to this effect. However, investigations would show that benefits from illegal means have come to him - directly and indirectly.

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi also expressed concerns about the conduct of some journalist and being "handled" by crime intelligence.

The oral hearings continue today with a new witness, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Rajaa Azzakani
9 October 2025