Mkhwanazi Inquiry Committee Expresses Frustration Over Unanswered IGI Report Request

The Ad Hoc Committee on Lt Gen Mkhwanazi expressed its displeasure last night at the manner in which the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) seems to have ignored correspondence between the two committees relating to the committee's request to view the Inspector General of Intelligence (IGI) report within the confines of the law.

The committee resolved to take the matter up with the Speaker of Parliament, as it felt hamstrung by the lack of communication, which has directly affected the committee's work. This follows an update from the committee Chairperson, Mr Molapi Soviet Lekganyane, on a previous committee resolution. He said the committee mandated him to write to the JSCI, as the custodian of such matters, as to how the committee can view the report. That was done on 19 May 2026. "Up to today the JSCI has not responded to us."

Mr Lekganyane said he instructed the committee secretariat to follow up and was advised that it is "advisable" for me as the chairperson to telephonically call his counterpart in that committee. "That is something which I vehemently refuse to do because I cannot be undermined as the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee. "I wrote to the Chair of the JSCI or the JSCI in its entirety and the JSCI, if it is a professional organ of state receiving a letter from another organ of state, they should have had the courtesy to just even acknowledge receipt of our letter. It would have been sufficient. But for them to receive our letter and do nothing about it; I find this very unprofessional and not befitting of public office," elaborated the Chairperson.

The matter was then canvassed with all committee members present in the meeting. Committee members Mr Khusela Sangoni said in response: "We find it extremely unfortunate that the JSCI has seemingly sought to treat this committee with contempt."

Ms Sangoni went on to say that part of the committee's resolution has been that it should be allowed to view that report as it seems to be at the heart of the disputes that arose in the SAPS. "… to not make a comment either way seems to us to be very obstructionist, and it makes us wonder if there is something that is being hidden in that report." The committee is now more determined than ever to see what is in that report, in line with the protocol of handling classified information.

Another committee member, Mr Vusi Shongwe, agreed with these sentiments, saying that it is unfortunate that the committee has received no response from the JSCI. "… to us it says a lot. There is something that is being hidden there. The Chairperson has been undermined and should be escalated to the Speaker."

The committee also received a letter from Minister Senzo Mchunu's lawyers taking exception to the draft evidentiary analysis, dealt with in the previous meeting. Mr Lekganyane said the letter is premature, as the committee does not have a final report and this process forms part of the work of the committee. He assured the public that all implicated parties will be given an opportunity for comment on the final draft report of the committee, when the time comes for that. This was agreed to by all committee members.

Mr Andile Tetyana, Parliament Legal Advisor to the committee, also advised that the committee should consider requesting a further extension from the Speaker to conclude its work, as various processes have led to the committee not being able to follow its draft programme as intended.

The committee has until 12 June to conclude its work. Mr Lekganyane indicated that he will, on behalf of the committee, write to the Speaker, as per its resolution.

Rajaa Azzakani
8 June 2026