Parly refuses to accept Mchunu's claim that Mkhwanazi threatened him

The parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating alleged police corruption has refused to accept as evidence the claims by Minister Senzo Mchunu that he was threatened by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Last week, as part of his testimony, Mchunu introduced an audio recording of a conversation between his chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde, and Mkhwanazi, which he said contained the threats.

However, Mchunu failed to produce the recording on Tuesday, when he returned to face more questions from members of Parliament (MPs).

Mchunu told the committee that he had instructed Nkabiande to record his conversations with Mkhwanazi.

He said this was after Mkhwanazi made veiled threats against both him and Nkabiande. But Mchunu failed to avail the recording, stating that the threat was made before he started recording.

Mchunu explained that the initial threat was made before recording began, but that it was referenced during a subsequent recorded conversation.

"That part was said before they started recording, but it’s referred to in the conversation on the fifth time and acknowledged by them," Mchunu stated.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema argued that the evidence should be rejected by the committee.

"We must put it on record that the minister doesn’t have that recording and, therefore, that recording doesn’t exist," Malema said.

Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane agreed with Malema: "You are absolutely correct, Honourable Member, and that’s how we are proceeding. Is that understood, Honourable Minister?" Lekganyane asked.

Mchunu said the committee should consider calling in Nkabinde to back his claim.