Ad hoc committee wants Mkhwanazi to return & explain his retraction regarding alleged payments from Matlala to Cele

The ad hoc committee probing police corruption wants KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to return to Parliament to explain how he got his facts wrong regarding payments allegedly made to Bheki Cele by Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Mkhwanazi, during his two days of testimony, stated that Cele sent murder-accused Matlala his banking details, not in Cele's name, and deposited money into the account.

But on Thursday, Mkhwanazi informed evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse, that he got it wrong and retracted his submission.

Two weeks ago, Mkhwananzi told the committee that Cele and Matlala’s links were not just about phone calls but about money.

He went on to call the link criminal.

But during Cele’s testimony on Thursday, Arendse informed the committee on Mkhwanazi’s about-turn.

"Just before we adjourned, we received a text message. Had a short conversation with Mkhwanazi, in which he said this allegation is withdrawn."

But members, like the DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach, said this was not good enough and Mkhwanazi must withdraw the allegations in committee.

"I don’t think that Mkhwanazi can send a little note to say he withdraws. He must come here and tell us why he withdraws and how he made such a mistake and why he thought it was OK to irresponsibly tell the whole world that thing."

The committee will now inform Mkhwanazi of its decision before another date is set for his return.