Parly committee probing police malfeasance off to heated start; delayed over Mkhwanazi's statement

Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating police malfeasance got off to a heated start on Tuesday morning, with delays over Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s statement and oath.

Members of the committee have also called for the removal of the evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse, for what MPs called an error when he failed to submit an original statement from Mkhwanazi before he took an oath.

The committee adjourned for several minutes, holding talks behind closed doors as it tried to sort out any legal technicalities.

ALSO READ: Parly's ad hoc committee to look at more than just corruption in criminal justice system - Arendse

Parliament's ad hoc committee inquiry into corruption within the criminal justice hit a snag after Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, questioned the lack of an original statement by Mkhwanazi.

Malema said the statement providedby the evidence leader should be an original and not a supplementary statement with inclusions from the Madlanga Commission, where Mkhwanazi has already appeared.

He went as far as calling for Arendse to be replaced.

"I really have no confidence in him for what he did now. We must change him. To argue with us and argue with you and you allow that."

MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo also voiced his unhappiness over the lack of an original statement.

"Let me start by sharing my deepest discontent, as well, that we are starting on a very bad note. From the word go, we are messing things.
The committee is expected to get a sworn statement from Mkhwanazi this afternoon once he takes an oath."