Parliament’s committee probing police graft plans to call 6 more witnesses

Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations of police corruption plans to call at least six more witnesses before wrapping up its work.

However, at least two potential witnesses had raised security concerns about appearing before Parliament.

They include political fixer Brown Mogotsi and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan.

The committee met virtually on Wednesday to determine its final programme ahead of compiling its report by the end of February.

Among the witnesses Parliament still wants to appear before the committee are Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, former national Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, Ekurhuleni Deputy Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride.

The chief evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse, said consultations have already been held with all of them in preparation for theirappearances.

Arendse said he is due to meet virtually with controversial North West businessman Mogotsi and his lawyer on Monday to prepare for his testimony.

Mogotsi has already testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is also probing police corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

“Mr Mogotsi had hitherto indicated that he had security concerns and between the time available in late December and now, these could not be addressed by Parliament.”

Meanwhile, Arendse said private investigator Paul O’Sullivan, who was accused of intimidating a witness last year, is currently in the United Kingdom and would not be able to appear before Parliament within the next month.

“He had also indicated grave concerns about appearing in person because of the security situation.”

The committee has taken a dim view of O’Sullivan’s unavailability, with Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema suggesting that those who refused to appear should be formally summoned.