The Ad Hoc Committee has concluded its public hearings into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, marking the end of a five-month probe. Mkhwanazi and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola returned to the stand to address counter-allegations and clarify specific issues.
Key Findings and Concerns
Mkhwanazi expressed concern over the committee’s handling of evidence, stating that some members seemed to prejudge certain matters. He explained that he retracted serious allegations against former police minister Bheki Cele and provided context for the media briefing he conducted on July 6, 2025, which he deemed a last resort.
The KwaZulu-Natal top cop insisted that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was captured and wrote a letter with directives to disband the Political Killings Task team (PKTT). Mkhwanazi also denied allegations of assaulting and torturing suspended police sergeant Samkeliso Mlotshwa, stating that he hoped the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
Implications and Next Steps
The Ad Hoc Committee is expected to receive an overview of the evidence presented and deliberate on a report compiled by the secretariat before making a recommendation to Parliament. The committee’s findings could have significant implications for the police force and the government as a whole.
Some key points from Mkhwanazi’s testimony include:
- He still does not have a security clearance certificate, despite applying in 2022.
- He was implicated in a 2013 case involving a so-called hit squad in KwaZulu-Natal, but claims he was working in Pretoria at the time.
- He believes suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is a criminal.
As the committee moves forward, it will be important to consider the evidence presented and the potential consequences of their recommendations. For more information on the South African police force, visit the South African Police Service website.</p)
