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African National Congress (ANC) MP Molapi Lekganyane delivers opening address on August 5, 2025 after being elected as Chairperson of the ad hoc committee investigating KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
It’s been another heated week at the AD HOC Committee probing corruption and political interference in the Justice System, as witnesses faced scrutiny from Members of Parliament.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, conceded that South Africa is losing the battle against organised crime. She admitted that the criminal justice system is broken, leaving citizens vulnerable.
And MPs slammed Police Ministry Chief of Staff Cedrick Nkabinde, accusing him of deliberately misleading the committee with incoherent testimony.
Batohi’s testimony
On Tuesday, Batohi testified on the fight against organised crime. Batohi admitted racketeering prosecutions are too few to inspire confidence. She refused to name prosecutors allegedly implicated in corruption, citing confidential intelligence.
“What’s wrong with giving names?” asked EFF’s Julius Malema.
The Gupta extradition case also surfaced, with MPs calling the failed attempt an embarrassment.
“Additional charges will be added soon, before I leave office,” says Shamila Batohi.
VIDEO | Ad Hoc Committee: NPA head Advocate Shamila Batohi appears
The Phala Phala matter wasn’t spared either, with MPs demanding clarity on whether President Cyril Ramaphosa will face charges.
“It’s under review by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit,” says Batohi.
Delays in the Senzo Meyiwa trial also came under fire, with Batohi blaming police infighting. She also addressed the alleged Tembisa Hospital tender kingpin case, saying IDAC lacks resources and needs urgent strengthening.
Batohi confirmed the NPA is reviewing cases withdrawn against alleged cartel kingpins, including Katiso KT Molefe and Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. With her term ending in January, Batohi leaves office with unfinished business. The hearings resume next week as the committee continues its probe into corruption and political interference in South Africa’s justice system a battle that seems far from over.
Nkabinde’s testimony
Sworn in, Nkabinde told evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse SC that, in his role as Chief of Staff, he facilitated two meetings between the currently on special leave Police minister Senzo Mchunu and Brown Mogotsi.
But soon after making that solemn promise, MPs flagged discrepancies in his testimony. Nkabinde claimed he got a call from Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on September 30 during a visit to Lusikisiki a date later proven wrong. When confronted, he admitted he was thumb sucking dates because his devices had been confiscated.
The hearing was adjourned amid confusion.
Committee Chair Soviet Lekganyane confirmed Nkabinde will be recalled as a key witness.
VIDEO | Parliament Ad Hoc Committee: Cedrick Nkabinde appears before Parliament
