MPs want Mkhwanazi to appear before ad hoc committee to substantiate police graft claims

CAPE TOWN - Members of Parliament (MPs) want KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to appear before an ad hoc committee to substantiate his allegations of police corruption.

Parliament also said Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was implicated in allegations of police interference, is not “legally immune” from appearing because he’s on a leave of absence.

ALSO READ:

- MPs warn SA will go up in flames if anything happens to Mkhwanazi

- Parly's justice and police committees call for ad hoc committee to probe allegations of corruption and interference in SAPS, judiciary

- Ramaphosa says firing Mchunu based on untested allegations would be unfair, 'create a dangerous precedent'

On Wednesday, members of the justice and police committees agreed that an ad hoc committee should investigate Mkhwanazi’s claims instead of establishing a fully-fledged inquiry to run parallel with the judicial commission.

Parties also continued their criticism of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling it wasteful expenditure.

Most parties in the justice and police joint committees agree that Parliament should form an ad hoc committee that will investigate the claims of corruption and interference in the police and judiciary.

They also want Mkhwanazi to avail himself as well as Mchunu.

“If we initiate our process by saying that this committee must initiate a process, one of calling the complainant, which is General Mkhwanazi,” said justice committee member Sibonelo Nomvalo.

Parliament's legal advisor, Andile Tetyana, said Parliament already has the power to call Mchunu.

“The other issue we want to raise, chairperson, is that Minister Mchunu is not clothed with legal immunity by virtue of him being on special leave.”

The committees' recommendations will be considered by the National Assembly next week before the ad hoc committee is established.