Phalane apologises for accusing Parly's police inquiry evidence leader of targeting him

Former acting Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane has been forced to apologise for saying the police ad hoc committee evidence leader is part of a “cabal” that’s targeting him.

Phahlane also accused evidence leader Norman Arendse of acting on behalf of former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride, who he had earlier accused of trying to get him fired.

He was responding to questions before the ad hoc committee on Thursday about his relationship with Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and his removal from the police in 2017.

Phahlane's evidence started off on the wrong foot when members of Parliament (MPs) rejected his request to not be asked questions about certain issues.

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Phahlane also lost his cool during questions from Arendse about forensic reports implicating him.

“I can’t continue to be attacked by the senior counsel in the manner that he is doing. I don’t know who he is representing. You are representing Robert McBride, and you are representing the cabal that you are party to.”

Shocked members of the committee told Phahlane to apologise and withdraw his remarks.

“I unconditionally withdraw the comment and apologise to the members of this house and the evidence leader.”

Arendse said he was disappointed in Phahlane, adding that he had no links to McBride before his appearance.