MPs divided as Kishene Chetty testifies before ad hoc committee

Members of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption raised concerns over a public submission, warning it could prejudice a witness’s ongoing court cases.

Kishene Chetty is the latest member of the public to make a submission before the committee, where he accused investigators and prosecutors of an abuse of power in cases against him.

Chetty still has several pending criminal cases before the courts, a major concern for some committee members who excused themselves from proceedings.

The businessman is currently giving evidence before the committee, alleging that certain prosecutors are targeting him unlawfully in several matters.

Chetty’s cases are related to theft, corruption, and money laundering.

African National Congress (ANC) MP Xola Nqola warned that his evidence before Parliament could prejudice him in his pending cases.

“The nature of what is said in the affidavit requires a competent court of law. It’s a detriment, a legal detriment to Mr Chetty himself to come and answer here,” said Nqola.

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Glynnis Breytenbach, who was the first to raise the concern, excused herself and fellow MP Dianne Kohler Barnard from proceedings.

“I’m not blaming anybody, we find ourselves in this situation. I choose to deal with it as I find it. I am deeply uncomfortable with proceeding, and I request to be excused along with the Honourable Kohler Barnard,” Breytenbach said.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said it was a “procedural matter clouded by politics” and ruled that the committee must proceed.