Police corruption probe trims witness list, focuses on key figures

The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption has recommended the removal of several people from its lengthy witness list.

On Wednesday, the committee, which has been hearing evidence and is set to conclude its work in November, was briefed on its list of more than 30 individuals.

The move aims to streamline proceedings following the conclusion of testimony from Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale on Tuesday.

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Advocate Norman Arendse, the committee’s evidence leader, stated that some witnesses may no longer need to appear as the committee now possesses enough information. The Ad Hoc Committee was meeting to sort out its extensive list, which contained at least 34 names before Wednesday's sitting.

"There are some other witnesses we’re of the view are not either necessary or there’s a need for them to give us information because we have sufficient information,"Advocate Arendse explained, indicating a strategic shift to focus on the most relevant testimony.

However, Advocate Arendse stressed the importance of certain individuals. Cedric Nkabinde, Chief of Staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has been deemed a relevant witness after being named repeatedly in connection with allegations of police interference.

"Nkabinde, the name has cropped up repeatedly, is an important witness and we’ve proposed calling Nkabinde on the 13th and 14th of November," Advocate Arendse confirmed.

The committee also requires Brown Mogotsi to appear and answer allegations that he attempted to influence the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.